Malena Mendoza, a 23-year-old Cuban, announced her return to Cuba this week after spending six months in Costa Rica, citing the well-being of her five-year-old daughter as the main reason for her decision.
In a TikTok video shared on Monday, Malena predicted the criticism she might face: "The first thing that might cross your mind is that I didn't think about my daughter. But one of the many reasons I decided to come back was for her, because as her mother, I know where she was happiest and where she wasn't."
The young mother painted a picture of a daily life that had become emotionally unbearable: "My daughter is happy now because she no longer tells me she misses her little house or her room, nor does she say she misses her friends from daycare or her family. We no longer end up crying together: her because she didn't want me to go to work and me because I barely had time for her."
Malena did not shy away from acknowledging the contradiction of returning to an island in deep crisis: "It's no secret that Cuba is at its worst," she admitted, adding with a note of resignation that "things have to get really bad before they can get better."
She was careful not to suggest her decision as a model for others: "I'm not romanticizing anything because, of course, everything requires sacrifice, and I have great respect for those moms who have the courage to do it."
Reflecting on her time abroad, Malena expressed gratitude: "I'm incredibly thankful to Costa Rica for having welcomed me for those six months and for the wonderful people I've met, whom I'll always carry with me," she said, describing the period as "a lived experience from which I learned a lot and came to appreciate things I didn't value before."
Malena's story is part of a growing trend seen on social media in recent months. In May, another Cuban mother returned to the island despite power outages, arguing that her young son "wasn't happy" despite better material conditions abroad. In January, Maydalina Valdés Fernández came back from Costa Rica stating that "loneliness was killing me." In April, TikToker Yaniuska López announced her permanent return to Cuba from Angola, declaring, "going back doesn't mean failing."
The common thread in these narratives is the emphasis on family bonds and emotional health over material benefits abroad, in a context where Cuba is facing its worst crisis in decades, with power outages lasting up to 20 hours a day, a GDP drop of 23% since 2019, and widespread shortages of food and medicine.
Voluntary returns, however, are a minority in the Cuban exodus. According to data from the International Organization for Migration for 2025-2026, 94% of Cubans surveyed in Costa Rica expressed a desire to stay in that country.
Malena concluded her video with straightforward advice for those who relate to her story: "Emigrating isn't for everyone, and that's okay too."
Understanding the Cuban Return Phenomenon
Why did Malena Mendoza return to Cuba?
Malena returned to Cuba primarily for the well-being of her daughter, as she felt her daughter was happier living in Cuba than in Costa Rica.
What challenges does Cuba currently face?
Cuba is experiencing its worst crisis in decades, with issues such as extended power outages, a significant GDP decline, and shortages of essential goods like food and medicine.
How common are voluntary returns among Cuban emigrants?
Voluntary returns are relatively uncommon, as 94% of Cubans surveyed in Costa Rica expressed their wish to remain there, according to data from the International Organization for Migration.