Heidy Díaz Sosa, a Cuban content creator known on TikTok as @heidydiazsosa, shared a story that quickly gained traction online. She recounted her unsettling encounter at Miami International Airport following a brief three-day visit to Cuba. In a video filmed from Houston, she explained, “I have a CU6 residency. I didn't apply for asylum; my residency is through the Cuban Adjustment Act. They confiscated my phone, demanded my password, and accessed my bank account, gallery, and family chats—they went through everything.”
She further revealed that an officer informed her she was barred from returning to the island: “They put it in the system for my husband and me that we can't go back to Cuba... they said it was the first and last time.”
Cautionary Tale for Cuban Residents in the U.S.
Heidy emphasized this was her first journey to Cuba in three years, driven by a desire to visit her mother and her husband's wish to see his ailing father. She offered advice to other Cuban residents in the U.S.: “My advice is to wait if you're planning to go to Cuba. I'm not trying to scare you, but this happened to me... maybe you’ll travel and nothing will happen. It happened to me yesterday, and it was a terrible experience—I thought they were going to send me back.”
The video sparked a wave of comments and an intense debate. Some users expressed empathy, sharing similar stories: “The same thing happened to me, and I live in Spain. I traveled from Cuba to Miami, and they detained me, searched my phone thoroughly, and banned me from entering the U.S. for five years.” Others likened the experience to practices in Cuba: “The room is like the DTI in Cuba; you leave traumatized.”
Debate Over CU6 Residency and Legal Implications
Many comments argued that a CU6 residency equates to political asylum, thus returning to Cuba contradicts this status. “CU6 residency is for asylum seekers; it’s the same as applying for asylum,” one user noted. “The Cuban Adjustment Act is political—when will people understand that?” another added.
There were also voices challenging the legality of the procedure: “That’s illegal; they can’t do that. You should consult with an immigration lawyer,” suggested one user, while others echoed, “Get a lawyer.”
Community Divided Over Travel to Cuba
The discussion included those downplaying the incident, describing it as a minor warning: “They don’t revoke residency for going to Cuba, especially if you’re CU6. They just tried to scare you; this has always existed.” Conversely, some defended the authorities’ actions: “If you came through the border, you must face this situation,” “Don’t go to Cuba, period. Stop supporting the communist regime with your dollars,” and “Well done, justice at last.”
The heated debate underscores the division within the Cuban community regarding travel to the island under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Heidy’s account emerges amidst growing scrutiny of Cuban residents in the U.S. who travel back to the island. Recently, a similar incident involving a Cuban couple questioned at Miami Airport after a trip to Cuba highlighted the watchfulness over those entering the U.S. under claims of persecution and returning to their homeland.
Days later, an immigration attorney warned that every departure from the U.S. requires residents to “request admission” upon return, opening the door to inspections. She noted the risk of officials interpreting frequent trips to Cuba as fraudulent and advised Cuban residents to exercise caution.
Heidy’s Journey in the U.S.
This isn’t the first time @heidydiazsosa has shared her experiences in the U.S. on social media. In January, she tearfully recounted being fired from a Houston restaurant; in March, she spoke of the pressure from family in Cuba demanding money despite her struggles; and in May, she proudly announced working in housekeeping at a nursing home.
She has also mentioned taking on cleaning jobs during her days off, highlighting the sacrifice and hard work that many Cuban migrants face in the U.S., as shared in another of her stories.
Questions About Cuban Adjustment Act and Travel Restrictions
What is a CU6 residency?
A CU6 residency is a status granted under the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows certain Cubans to apply for permanent residency in the United States based on political asylum grounds.
Why might returning to Cuba be problematic for CU6 residents?
Returning to Cuba may be seen as contradictory to the asylum claim, as CU6 residency is based on fleeing persecution. Frequent travel to Cuba might lead officials to question the legitimacy of the asylum claim.
Can U.S. immigration officials legally search personal devices?
U.S. immigration officials have the authority to inspect personal devices at the border. However, there are legal debates about the extent of these searches, and seeking legal advice may be beneficial.