Cuban Woman Shares Experience at Miami Airport Upon Returning from Cuba

A Cuban woman living in the United States took to TikTok to share her experience upon returning to the U.S. after a trip to Cuba. She described her journey through immigration control, addressing concerns from fellow Cubans who worry about potential issues when coming back from the island.

The TikTok user, known as @gretel_ap, explained that this was her second visit to Cuba since obtaining her residency under the CU6 category, protected by the Cuban Adjustment Act. In her video, she detailed that upon arriving at Miami airport, the immigration officer merely asked where she was coming from and checked her documents along with those of her six-month-old baby, without further inquiries.

"There were no additional questions, they didn't question me about anything else," she stated in her video. She also mentioned knowing other Cubans who have had similar experiences. Her message aimed to reassure those who fear returning to the U.S. after traveling to Cuba: "If you are a citizen who hasn't had any issues since entering the country, there's nothing to worry about. You can travel to the island without any problems."

The content creator also addressed the numerous videos on social media warning about possible complications upon returning from Cuba, asserting that "social media is prone to speculation" and that her experience was entirely normal. However, she acknowledged that each case might differ, and some individuals might face additional questions or secondary screening. "They might ask you something else, I'm not saying they won't, they might check other things, but that you won't be allowed back into the country, that's not true," she noted.

The video sparked varied reactions on TikTok. Some users confirmed they also haven't faced difficulties returning from Cuba, while others mentioned being taken for secondary screening or receiving more detailed questions. "My husband was sent to the little room," one user commented, explaining the delay was due to an issue with fingerprinting. Another user noted, "When applying for citizenship, those who entered through the border can be questioned if they travel to Cuba." Another person shared that, although a permanent resident for 14 years in the U.S., they are taken for screening every time they return from Spain, though it only takes a few minutes.

Others expressed concerns about traveling to the island. "I'm nervous because I want to go in April," one person wrote, to which Gretel responded, "Don't worry, nothing will happen." Another user mentioned that her son and daughter-in-law wouldn't let her travel due to fears of potential issues upon return.

This account adds to numerous recent cases shared on social media. At the end of February, user @blued_diamond, residing in Kentucky, recounted that his return to the U.S. from Cuba was swift and trouble-free, though he noted that those who have applied for asylum might face more questions. "If you have asylum, they can take you to the little room and ask, 'Why are you going to Cuba after claiming political asylum based on fleeing a dictatorship?'" he explained in his video.

Various testimonies have circulated on social media regarding immigration experiences after traveling to Cuba, with some recounting similar stories and others describing different situations based on immigration status and personal factors. While some report the re-entry process to the U.S. as quick and uncomplicated, others claim to have encountered more detailed interrogations or delays at immigration.