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Cuban Man Abandons U.S. to Join Family on Perilous Journey to Brazil

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 by Joseph Morales

"I couldn't let them make that journey alone," shared a Cuban father who left the United States to accompany his wife and two young children on a dangerous migration to Brazil. This story was brought to light by Claudia Patricia Gómez, a 27-year-old Cuban mother who recently arrived in the Brazilian city of Apucarana after a grueling journey with her husband and children, aged five and one and a half.

In a video posted on YouTube, Claudia detailed the arduous trip and the sacrifices her husband made to be with them: "My husband traveled from the United States to Bogotá just to be by our side. We feared it might be the last time we saw each other."

Their journey began in Sancti Spíritus, with Claudia and the children traveling to Havana. From there, they flew to Bogotá, Colombia, where the father met up with them after leaving the U.S.

The Obstacles of Migration

Once reunited, the family faced numerous challenges: canceled flights, exhausted children, makeshift sleeping arrangements in airports, and the constant anxiety of the unknown. Upon reaching Guyana, they were met by a "coyote" who took them to a hostel. There, like many other Cuban migrants, they received basic supplies and a bag of provisions for the road ahead.

Their ordeal intensified with a 15-hour van ride, nights spent sleeping on floors or rented hammocks at the edge of the jungle, and a harrowing trek through swampy terrain, including crossing a river on makeshift rafts. "I carried the baby, my husband had a 50-pound bag on his back and another on his front. Our other child held his hand. It was brutal," Claudia recounted. "When I saw the river's current, I broke down in tears. I feared for my children's lives."

Survival and Resilience

Once in Brazilian territory, they still had a long way to go: accommodations without cold water, cooking in precarious conditions, and traveling by bus and plane until they finally reached Apucarana, where Claudia's cousin resides. "Bathing was a necessity. We were covered in mud, exhausted, but relieved to have arrived," she said.

The journey, which included plane tickets from Cuba, smuggling fees, and internal transfers, cost around $960 per person, not including the arrangements her husband made from the United States.

Claudia explained that their decision to emigrate was driven not only by the hope for a better future but also by the fear that her children's father might never be able to return to Cuba due to U.S. immigration restrictions. "We couldn't endure the blackouts and shortages any longer. But we also feared being separated forever."

The Impact of U.S. Policies

This decision takes on new significance following a June 4 executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which partially restricts Cuban citizens' entry into the U.S. citing "national security risks." The order suspends several visa categories, including B-1, B-2, and student visas, potentially hindering family reunions or visits from Cuban residents abroad wanting to see their loved ones.

This personal tale underscores the desperation of many Cuban families, torn between the need to escape and the fear of permanent separation. Amid the migration crisis affecting thousands of Cubans, this father's choice to leave the stability of the U.S. to brave the jungle with his family stands as a testament to the lengths one will go for love and family.

Key Questions About Cuban Migration to Brazil

What motivated the Cuban family to migrate to Brazil?

The family was driven by the desire for a better future and the fear of being permanently separated due to U.S. immigration restrictions.

How did U.S. immigration policies affect the family's decision?

The family's decision was influenced by an executive order from President Trump that restricted Cuban citizens' entry into the U.S., which heightened their fear of separation.

What challenges did the family face during their journey?

They encountered canceled flights, exhausting conditions, makeshift accommodations, and dangerous terrain, including river crossings on improvised rafts.

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