A Cuban woman recently shared on TikTok the distressing experience she faced at Miami Airport earlier this month. As she attempted to catch her connecting flight to Texas, where she resides, she was taken to the so-called "Immigration room."
Known online as "Kenia, the Cuban Texan," she clarified that her entry into the United States was through family reunification, not through the border or any similar means. Despite this status, she reported feeling "pressured and harassed" during a lengthy interrogation at Miami Airport.
Kenia explained she traveled to Cuba for just three days, from December 13 to 16, to visit her three grandparents. She hadn't been to the island in almost a year, but during the intense questioning, officers asked how many days she stayed, her reasons for visiting, and if she brought back alcohol, medicines, or food. They also inquired about any cash she might have.
The young woman responded that she did not carry cash but admitted to having two bottles of rum, sweets, and some medications in her luggage, all for personal use. She was made to swear an oath, and her baggage was thoroughly inspected.
Her medicines were confiscated, the bottles of rum were broken, and the sweets were discarded. "They told me, 'We don't want anything from communist Cuba here.' It was the worst moment of my life. They said nothing from Cuba is allowed," Kenia recounted.
She added that her fingerprints were taken, making her feel like a "criminal," and even a personal note from her boyfriend found in her purse was scrutinized. "Folks, the situation with Cuba is bad, and I must tell you, I have no involvement; I hadn't been there in a year. I went to see my three grandparents," she warned, especially for those with more vulnerable immigration statuses.
Kenia stated that the immigration officer assisting her typed extensively on a computer, and the feared "room" was crowded with travelers like herself filling out documents. She commented that should she decide to return to Cuba in the future, she would bring nothing back to avoid risking her residency, entry into the U.S., and other potential consequences.
She described this as "the worst trip of her life" and noted that the immigration process was so delayed she nearly missed her connection to Texas.
In the comments section of her post, many Cubans criticized her for bringing back beverages, food, and even medicines from Cuba. Some even questioned what medicines could be brought from the island, given the severe shortages. However, another group of netizens showed sympathy, thanked Kenia for her advice, or suggested she refrain from bringing anything back from Cuba to avoid such distress.
In recent months, several Cubans with legal residency in the United States have reported being questioned by immigration authorities at Miami Airport. In March, a Cuban resident in the U.S. shared via audio to journalist Mario J. Pentón that he was warned at the immigration offices in Miami Airport about the risk of losing his immigration status after returning from his third trip to Cuba in three months.
In early March, a Cuban woman with an I-220A, who had obtained residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act, revealed that upon returning from a trip to Cuba, an immigration officer at Miami Airport threatened her with the possibility of losing her residency if she continued to visit the island.
In a statement to journalist Javier Díaz for Univision, the woman explained she had applied for residency through asylum but closed that case once she received her residency via the I-220A. However, the officer was adamant that anyone entering through the border should not return to Cuba.
In late February, another Cuban who had been residing in the United States for nearly 18 years shared a similar warning from an immigration officer after returning from a trip to the island with his wife and children. Despite stating that he entered by boat, applied for the Cuban Adjustment Act, and had been in the U.S. for nearly 18 years with a permanent Green Card, the immigration officer strongly advised against returning to Cuba.
In November of the previous year, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio raised concerns about Cubans granted refugee status in the U.S. who later travel to Cuba, the country they reportedly fled due to political persecution. Addressing the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, the senator questioned the situation of Cubans acquiring refugee status in the U.S. and later vacationing in Cuba, the very country they supposedly escaped for political reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Immigration Experiences at Miami Airport
What restrictions do Cuban travelers face at Miami Airport?
Cuban travelers, even those with legal residency in the U.S., may face intense scrutiny, including interrogations and baggage inspections. They are often advised against bringing any goods from Cuba, as these items might be confiscated.
Can traveling to Cuba affect my U.S. residency status?
Yes, frequent trips to Cuba may raise suspicions and could potentially jeopardize your residency status in the U.S. as immigration officers might question your motives for travel.
Why are Cuban refugees questioned about their travel back to Cuba?
U.S. immigration officials may question Cuban refugees about their travel to Cuba to assess whether their claims of persecution still hold, as returning to the country they fled might undermine their refugee status.