Cuban YouTuber Víctor González, the mind behind the channel Víctor G., has openly shared his deep frustration over not being able to return to Mexico, despite having once achieved his dream of reaching the country and even obtaining temporary residency there. In a detailed video on his channel, Víctor described the journey from the excitement of his first arrival in Mexico to the helplessness of losing the right to return due to financial constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and some personal decisions.
“It pains me greatly to have lost the temporary residency I worked so hard for and waited two years to transition to a permanent one,” he expressed. Víctor recalled that his initial entry into Mexico was fraught with uncertainty, managing to enter with a multiple-entry Schengen visa that theoretically did not permit entry into Mexico.
“Many told me it was impossible, but I decided to try,” he recounted. After tense moments at the airport and the fortunate intervention of a friend who answered a call from immigration, he received the coveted stamp: “Welcome to Mexico.” The experience left a lasting impression on him, captivated by the culture, modernity, market abundance, and the stark contrast to the Cuban reality. It was then that he resolved to apply for Mexican temporary residency to travel freely.
Financial and Bureaucratic Hurdles
However, his dream unraveled two years later. The transition from temporary to permanent residency required over $3,000, a sum he did not have at the time. Faced with financial difficulties, issues with his YouTube earnings, and an aversion to debt, Víctor ultimately lost his legal status.
“The lawyer offered to front the money, and I could repay him later, but I don’t like living with debts… and that’s how I lost my residency,” he lamented. Now, with his Schengen visa expired and without Mexican residency, Víctor's only hope lies in acquiring a Spanish passport, a process he began but has been delayed for over a year at the embassy in Havana.
A Story of Frustration and Waiting
Currently, he remains in Cuba, facing the same immigration barriers as countless others: a national passport that opens few doors and results in more rejections than opportunities. “At this moment, my immigration situation is like anyone else's in Cuba: I have no options. Until I get the Spanish passport, I can’t return to Mexico or fulfill my dream of traveling further,” he acknowledged.
Víctor’s narrative, which began with the aspiration of exploring the world, has transformed into a tale of frustration and waiting—a testament to the challenges and sacrifices faced by many young Cubans dreaming of a future beyond the island.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Emigration
Why can't Víctor González return to Mexico?
Víctor González cannot return to Mexico because he lost his temporary residency due to financial difficulties, bureaucratic issues, and personal decisions. He currently has an expired Schengen visa and is waiting for a Spanish passport.
What options does Víctor have to travel again?
Víctor's only current option to travel again is to obtain a Spanish passport. He has started this process, but it has been delayed for over a year at the Spanish embassy in Havana.