A Cuban living in Louisville, Kentucky, known on TikTok as Devis (@blued_diamond), recently shared his smooth return experience to the United States after spending eight days in Cuba. Contrary to common fears among some Cuban travelers, he reported no intense questioning or being taken to the immigration "little room" for further scrutiny.
In his video, which has sparked significant interaction online, Devis recounted that the only question posed by the immigration officer at the airport concerned his occupation in the U.S. He explained that he works in social media, prompting the officer to ask him to name three platforms. Devis listed Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The conversation further unfolded when the officer inquired which platform he used most often. Upon hearing "TikTok," the officer remarked on the app's temporary ban in the country, to which Devis replied that it had been restored, ending the exchange with a warm "Welcome home" from the officer.
Devis highlighted that on his flight from Santa Clara, no passengers were subjected to secondary screening. "No one was taken to the little room, no one was questioned about their entry, no one was told anything," he stated, dismissing the anxieties that some Cubans have about rigorous interrogations upon returning from the island. He added that those who have applied for asylum could face questions like, "Why are you going to Cuba after applying for political asylum claiming you are fleeing a dictatorship?" However, he clarified that he did not travel under asylum status, having entered the U.S. as a Spanish citizen.
His account has sparked discussions on social media, with some Cubans echoing his experience of hassle-free returns, while others insist they face questioning every time. "I've been in this country for 10 years, and they always take me to the little room and ask the same question," one user commented. Another user pointed out that the treatment at immigration often depends on one's immigration status, noting, "In your case, there's no problem, but for those who entered through the border, it's a different story." Yet, others confirmed their experiences were equally uncomplicated. "I came from Cuba with my wife on the 11th, and they didn't ask me a single question," another follower wrote.
Devis's story adds to a series of recent accounts from Cubans discussing their U.S. airport experiences following visits to Cuba. Earlier this February, a Cuban woman in Miami shared that her sister, a permanent resident, was advised by an immigration officer not to travel to Cuba again to avoid complications with her immigration status. Days later, another Cuban woman said she faced no issues and found the entry process smoother than anticipated.
Insights on U.S. Immigration Procedures for Cubans
What questions might a Cuban face at U.S. immigration upon return?
Cubans might be asked about their occupation or travel purposes. If they have asylum status, they could be questioned about their reasons for visiting Cuba.
Does everyone face secondary screening at U.S. immigration?
Not everyone is subjected to secondary screening; it often depends on individual circumstances, such as immigration status or travel history.
How does immigration status affect re-entry into the U.S.?
Immigration status can influence the level of scrutiny at re-entry. For instance, asylum seekers might face more questions about their travel to Cuba.