A 51-year-old Cuban woman named Irene Rodríguez Rosell has voiced her regret after self-deporting from the United States back to Cuba. She made this decision amid a personal crisis, banking on receiving financial aid from the U.S. government—assistance that has yet to be realized.
Having entered the U.S. through the southern border in November 2024 with an appointment arranged via the CBP One app, Rodríguez Rosell lived in Miami-Dade County when she chose to voluntarily return to the island. "I was alone and sick. I worked in a home for three months and became so frustrated that I decided to go back," she shared in recent comments to Univision from Cuba, where she now finds herself in difficult circumstances.
Unfulfilled Promises and Financial Struggles
Interestingly, the returnee didn't cite the island's frequent blackouts or shortages as the reason for her dissatisfaction. Rather, it was the unreceived $1,000 bonus that she was counting on. Her decision to return seemed less about fear of deportation—which she didn't mention in the published interview excerpt—and more about the promise that those who self-deported would receive payment for their return trip and a $1,000 bonus.
"I really needed that money, I was counting on it. I'm sick and now I'm here [in Cuba], as they say, with one hand in front and one hand behind," she lamented.
The Role of CBP Home in Self-Deportation
Her departure from the U.S. was facilitated by a new U.S. government app, CBP Home, introduced during Donald Trump's administration to streamline voluntary return processes. Rodríguez Rosell registered, notified her exit, and flew to Cuba from Miami International Airport on June 12.
However, weeks later, she claims neither the airfare reimbursement nor the promised economic bonus has been received. According to attorney Armando Olmedo, a critical mistake was that upon arriving in Cuba, Rodríguez Rosell deleted the CBP Home app from her phone, disrupting communication with U.S. immigration authorities. "To receive instructions, it's important to keep the app because the government will communicate with individuals through that channel," warned Olmedo, highlighting the risks of making immigration decisions without proper legal advice.
Legal and Financial Complexities
The case also exposes an unresolved legal gap: it's unclear how a Cuban citizen can receive funds sent by the U.S. government from the island, given the complex bilateral relations and existing financial restrictions.
"Leaving was a mistake," Rodríguez admitted, recognizing that desperation and a lack of information led her to make a choice she now deeply regrets.
Understanding Self-Deportation and Its Consequences
What drove Irene Rodríguez Rosell to self-deport from the U.S. to Cuba?
Irene Rodríguez Rosell self-deported due to personal struggles and the expectation of receiving financial aid from the U.S. government, which she hasn't received.
Why hasn't Rodríguez Rosell received the promised financial aid?
Rodríguez Rosell hasn't received the financial aid because she deleted the CBP Home app, which was crucial for communication with U.S. immigration authorities, and there are legal and financial complexities involved.
What is the CBP Home app and its role in the deportation process?
The CBP Home app is a tool introduced by the U.S. government to facilitate voluntary return processes. It plays a key role in communication between the government and individuals self-deporting.