A Cuban mother living in the United States shared a poignant video on TikTok, tearfully expressing the heartache she endures due to her inability to reunite with her 10-year-old daughter, who remains in Cuba. This separation persists even though her family claim has been approved by U.S. immigration authorities. "My daughter, who is 10, is still in Cuba. Three years ago, I set course for the borders. Thank God, I am now a resident of the greatest country in the world, the United States," began Lianet Llanes, the woman in the video. "But today, I feel a pain in my chest, I feel anguish, I feel disappointed," she lamented, her voice breaking with emotion.
In her statement, Llanes expressed sorrow over the fact that, as a U.S. resident rather than a citizen, her daughter is not classified as an immediate family member, delaying their family reunification. "How can anyone think that a child is not immediate family just because of a parent's legal status?" she questioned.
The mother admitted that she previously supported former President Donald Trump politically but now regrets that decision: "I argued with my people. Friendships were broken over Trump. I regret it because it has truly hurt my situation with my daughter."
Llanes explained that although her daughter's claim was approved in just seven months—a remarkably quick process—she will still have to wait at least two more years to bring her daughter to the U.S. due to her lack of citizenship. "My daughter began studying English with great seriousness, and now she hasn't wanted to talk to anyone since we had to tell her what happened," she shared, her voice filled with emotion.
"We aren't doing anything wrong. I am a mother with a clean record, not even a ticket," she emphasized, urging authorities to reconsider these immigration policies. "So, my daughter, as the child of a resident, is not a priority. I don't understand. What are children, then?" she questioned.
The video, posted on her TikTok account, has sparked a wave of supportive reactions and highlights an issue affecting thousands of immigrant families in the U.S.
Immigration Challenges for Cuban Families
What is the main challenge faced by Lianet Llanes regarding her daughter?
Lianet Llanes faces the challenge of not being able to reunite with her daughter due to her status as a U.S. resident rather than a citizen, which delays family reunification.
Why does Lianet Llanes regret supporting Donald Trump?
Lianet Llanes regrets supporting Donald Trump because his policies have negatively impacted her ability to bring her daughter to the United States.
How long does Lianet Llanes have to wait to bring her daughter to the U.S.?
Despite having her daughter's claim approved in just seven months, Lianet Llanes must wait at least two more years due to her non-citizen status.