A young Cuban woman, currently in the United States under the I-220A immigration form, has touched the hearts of thousands on social media. She shared a video in which she reads a poignant letter to her mother, expressing her longing and struggles while awaiting a resolution to her legal status. "I packed my dreams in a suitcase, hugged you, and said 'see you soon.' Yet, here I am, three years later," shares @bea_reyes1924, as she recounts her experiences of separation.
She reveals her fear that her sacrifices might be in vain, but firmly states that while she might let herself down countless times, she could "never let you down," referring to her mother. In just over a minute and a half, the author captures the anxiety of being away from loved ones, the pain of knowing her mother needs things she cannot provide, and the frustration of being unable to return. “I can't swallow a bite knowing you long for it and don’t have it... it’s not about the food; it’s the company. It’s not the house; it’s the family.”
Echoes of Separation and Longing
The video has prompted numerous responses from Cubans with similar stories, especially from women who left behind children or mothers on the island. “My same story, but I suffer for my mom and my child,” comments one viewer. Another shares: “I’ve also been here for three years, with a baby, and my mom and grandma haven't met her.”
Many stories follow a similar pattern: years of waiting under I-220A, family separation, fear of failure, and a sense of institutional abandonment. One woman recounts being unable to say goodbye to her mother, who passed away in Cuba due to malpractice. Another describes promising freedom to her three-year-old daughter before emigrating, yet now her daughter is six, and she still hasn’t fulfilled that promise.
A Community's Shared Pain
In response to these stories, the young woman repeatedly echoes, “I am in the same situation, fighting for my little one,” or “I left my daughter when she was two and a half, missing everything about her.” Her voice has become a reflection of a community fractured by distance but united by the same longing.
This publication adds to other recent expressions from Cubans in exile under I-220A, such as broadcaster Alejandro Quintana's open letter. In May, he released a video stating, “When half a million are waiting, the silence of others also hurts.” His call for unity among migrants and legal professionals was widely shared and praised. His words followed a recent decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), which, although pertaining to a Chinese citizen, has sparked hope for potential application to Cuban cases. Activists and attorneys see it as a possible legal avenue for reviewing the status of thousands under I-220A.
The young woman's video letter does not seek to blame anyone but rather highlights the human cost of prolonged waiting. “Here I am holding on… hoping to wake up one day with the best news in the world,” she concludes. Her message transcends a personal story, laying bare an open wound for hundreds of thousands of Cubans.
Understanding I-220A and Its Impact on Cuban Migrants
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A is a form used by U.S. immigration authorities to allow certain individuals to remain in the United States under specific conditions while they await further decisions on their immigration status.
Why are many Cubans under I-220A waiting for years?
The prolonged wait is often due to bureaucratic delays, complex legal proceedings, and changes in immigration policies, leaving many Cubans in limbo as they await resolution of their cases.
How are families affected by the separation caused by I-220A?
Families endure emotional and psychological stress due to prolonged separation, with many struggling to maintain connections and support across borders. This can lead to feelings of isolation and helplessness.