"I told my mom: don't worry, that in a year and a day I'll get my residency and I'll be back as soon as I have it... and now in September it will be three years and I haven't been able to go to Cuba," shared Cuban-born Daiana Díaz, who is currently residing in the United States, in a TikTok video that has deeply moved thousands of viewers. Her account isn't a complaint or an accusation; it's a heartfelt expression of the distress tied to a promise unfulfilled. She left her homeland with the expectation of soon returning to embrace her ailing mother, but the wait has stretched far beyond her expectations.
"I genuinely have a sick mother, I'm an only child, and I need to go to Cuba. It's not for partying or hanging out; it's because I truly need to," she confessed on her TikTok account @daianadiaz2107, in a clip that has sparked a wave of reactions. With calm and emotion, she recounted how the hope for a swift immigration process gradually faded over time. "We came here truly misled. I'm more than sure that many have experienced the same thing. We thought it would be just a year and a day, and then we'd be able to go back."
Her situation is doubly challenging, not just due to the distance but also the responsibility. She explained that her father, employed by the CAN company in Cuba, hasn't been paid for months due to farm closures stemming from food shortages. "I'm their main support," she stated. "And sometimes at work, I feel crushed and think, 'I wish I could just buy a ticket and leave right now,' but what if I'm stuck in Cuba? How would my parents survive?"
Heartfelt Stories Shared by Other Immigrants
The video ignited a flood of responses from other immigrants who found themselves in similar situations. Many shared that they too promised to return soon, only to find themselves unable to do so for three, five, or even more years. Several recounted the heartache of losing parents without being able to be by their side, while others voiced fears of returning to the island and then facing difficulties re-entering the United States. "I told my mom the same, and she passed away without me being able to hug her," one follower commented. Another wrote, "I've been away for four years and haven't seen my son; it breaks my heart."
Standing Firm Amidst Criticism
However, some criticized Daiana for publicly expressing her sorrow. In response, she posted a second video, maintaining her serene and honest tone, where she explained why she chose to share her story. "I wanted to share it because it's my reality, what I told my mom and haven't been able to fulfill. And it hurts, it hurts a lot," she clarified. She emphasized that her intent was never to complain but to give voice to a sentiment many others share. "We all have different stories to tell; some choose to share them, others don't, but in the end, it's a struggle."
Resilience and Connection to Family
In this second video, she also elaborated on her mother's health struggles, including psychiatric issues. "She didn't want me to leave because I'm her only child, and her two granddaughters were leaving too. The fear of being institutionalized, the fear of getting sick with no one to support her... because someone who's mentally ill is often shunned by everyone."
Daiana's story is just one of many that she has shared on social media. In December 2024, she staunchly defended her choice to continue financially supporting her parents, despite not yet having furniture in her own home: "The priority is that my parents have food," she stated then. She has also spoken about missing traditions like sharing coffee with neighbors, about the fear of discrimination at her job in Missouri, and about how she stretches her budget by shopping at thrift stores without losing her joy.
Throughout these narratives, Daiana has consistently demonstrated sincerity, resilience, and a profound connection to her family in Cuba. "Continuing to help my parents is the most important thing," she's reiterated on several occasions. In one of her most viral videos, she left a defining message: "I came with two beach chairs, and to this day, I'm still standing, with a lot of strength to keep going."
Her story, much like countless others, showcases the emotional cost of immigration. She doesn't seek sympathy or aim to generalize; she simply shares what she has lived through. Her words contain pain but also strength, which is why so many have found themselves reflected in her journey.
Common Questions About Immigration Challenges
Why can't Daiana return to Cuba?
Daiana is unable to return to Cuba due to delays in her residency process in the United States, which has taken longer than expected.
How are other immigrants relating to Daiana's story?
Many immigrants have shared similar experiences of being unable to return to their home countries as promised, often due to lengthy immigration processes and fear of not being able to re-enter the United States.
What impact has Daiana's story had on social media?
Daiana's story has resonated with thousands, sparking a wave of empathy and connection among those who have faced similar challenges, as well as sparking discussions about the emotional toll of immigration.