A Cuban woman, known online as @zol.arias, has sparked a viral conversation with her candid video explaining why she hasn't yet left Cuba, shedding light on the struggles many face on the island.
"Folks, stop asking why I haven't left Cuba yet. I need three things to leave: a passport, money, and a visa. Guess which one I have? Just the passport. I still don't have the money or the visa. Once I get those, we'll talk about where I'm going," she states at the beginning of her video.
Recorded during a power outage, her message underscores her desire to emigrate, thwarted by economic and bureaucratic barriers: "Please, don't stress me out. I want to leave just as much as anyone else, but I simply can't right now."
The young woman further mentions that she doesn't work "at the airport or any consulate," emphasizing that without a visa, her hands are tied: "Imagine, what can I do? I just can't..." she trails off, distracted by a street vendor's call.
The video sparked a heated discussion among viewers. Comments range from expressions of solidarity to offers of help or suggestions to emigrate to countries like Nicaragua, Mexico, Peru, or Panama. Many pointed out the steep costs of a Cuban passport and the challenges of securing visas.
One user offered: "Sweetheart, I can take you to Nicaragua," to which another replied: "The video doesn't say she's looking for a husband." Another commenter clarified: "She doesn't need to marry to leave Cuba; she needs money."
Other responses echoed empathy and understanding for the plight of many Cubans. "May God help you leave soon," one person hoped, while another remarked, "The ones who need to leave are the Castro family."
Migration remains a critical issue for countless Cubans. Escalating economic hardship, low wages, and restricted freedoms have driven an unprecedented exodus, with visa-free destinations like Nicaragua, and perilous routes to the United States through Central America.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), over 400,000 Cubans have reached the U.S. in the past two fiscal years, with many more stranded across the continent.
The plight of Cubans seeking to emigrate is compounded by high processing costs and limited diplomatic avenues. The number of visa-free countries for Cubans has dwindled in recent years, while obtaining visas from foreign consulates involves lengthy and costly procedures.
The Challenges of Cuban Migration
Why is it difficult for Cubans to emigrate?
Cubans face multiple barriers to emigration including economic hardship, high costs for obtaining passports and visas, and limited visa-free travel options due to diplomatic restrictions.
What are the popular destinations for Cuban migrants?
Countries like Nicaragua, Mexico, Peru, and Panama are popular due to their visa policies. The United States remains a key destination despite the risky journey through Central America.
How many Cubans have recently migrated to the U.S.?
Over the past two fiscal years, more than 400,000 Cubans have arrived in the U.S., according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.