A Cuban man recently celebrated the momentous arrival of his permanent residency in the United States, a dream fulfilled that he joyfully shared on social media. Accompanied by a heartfelt message, he posted an image that has since gone viral. "Mom, we did it. To those who doubted me. Thank you, Orula, Changó my father," he expressed in the description of his TikTok post, proudly displaying the document that confirms his legal status in the U.S.
The image captures him beaming with pride, dressed in a light blue T-shirt, cap, and sunglasses, holding his official correspondence and giving a thumbs-up. It clearly shows he has just received the coveted green card.
The post has sparked numerous responses and questions from other Cubans curious about the immigration process. A particularly notable comment asked, "How long did it take you, my dear? Did you enter through CBP?" To which he replied, "Yes, I entered in 2023 via CBP I-94. After applying for residency, it took almost a year to arrive."
The man's gesture, including a religious dedication to the orishas of the Afro-Cuban religion such as Orula and Changó, has garnered a wave of positive reactions. Many users have congratulated him for his determination and refusal to give up despite the challenges.
"When you fight with faith and humility, everything comes," one user commented. Others took the opportunity to share their own migration stories or to send blessings for his new chapter in the United States.
These types of stories illustrate the intense emotions experienced by many Cubans during the immigration process, characterized by sacrifices and waiting, but also by the hope for a brighter future beyond the island.
Insights on Cuban Immigration to the U.S.
How long does the U.S. residency process typically take for Cubans?
The process can vary, but as shared in this story, it took almost a year after applying for residency to receive the green card.
What is the CBP I-94 mentioned in the immigration context?
The CBP I-94 is a form used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to track the arrival and departure of non-immigrants entering the United States.