A Cuban mother living in the United States under I-220A status has touched the hearts of social media users by sharing a video in which she tearfully reads her daughter's Christmas letter to Santa Claus. In the letter, the little girl asks, as her third wish, to see her grandmother in person.
"Here I am reading my daughter's letter to Santa Claus. The third thing she asks for is to see her grandma. How do I explain to her that we're I-220A and still can't? I don't know, I just don't know how to handle it, but something will come to mind. After all, we've had four years of practice, so it's just another day in the life of this fear... It's our reality. The good times will come, I know it," the woman, visibly emotional, said in a video posted on her TikTok account (@yohanaserrano805).
The heartfelt account highlights the difficult situation faced by thousands of Cuban families in the United States who have not yet been able to regularize their immigration status and remain under the I-220A document, a supervision order granted by immigration authorities that does not confer immigration benefits or allow for travel outside the country.
The mother's message, as she struggles to find the strength to comfort her daughter through her sobs, has resonated with many social media users, who expressed their solidarity and admiration for her resilience.
"How hard it must be not to be able to hug your mother or let your daughter meet her grandmother..." wrote one user. Others took the opportunity to demand a solution to the immigration limbo affecting thousands of Cubans under this status.
This family's story is just one among many of Cubans who arrived in the United States seeking freedom and a better future but now live with the uncertainty of an immigration status that prevents them from reuniting with their loved ones.
In the meantime, the little girl continues to believe in the magic of Christmas and hopes that one day Santa will grant her most heartfelt wish: to hug her grandmother.
Understanding the Challenges of I-220A Status
What is the I-220A status?
The I-220A status is a supervision order provided by U.S. immigration authorities. It does not grant immigration benefits or permission to leave the country.
How are families affected by the I-220A status?
Families under I-220A status often face uncertainty and separation from loved ones, as the status does not allow them to travel or adjust their immigration situation easily.
Why is the mother's message so impactful?
The mother's message is impactful because it highlights the emotional struggle and resilience of families dealing with immigration challenges, resonating with many who share similar experiences.