A Cuban mother shared an emotional message on Friday after her 11-year-old daughter was denied a visa to travel to Mexico for the second time. This incident highlights the distress faced by many families divided between Cuba and other countries.
Yuly Soler Damian detailed her story in the public Facebook group, Consulado México en Cuba. Citas con NUT, revealing that her daughter remains in Cuba under the care of relatives, enduring what she describes as particularly challenging family circumstances.
"If the consulate official knew that this child lives in Cuba with a blind, bedridden great-grandmother suffering from dementia, and an orphaned cousin struggling with schizophrenia, cancer, and incontinence, perhaps they wouldn't have denied her twice already," she shared.
The term "the consulate official" used by Soler refers to a consular worker identified by some applicants in the group for their role in interviews.
Beyond this reference, there is no public information attributing the case outcome to a specific official, making it crucial to view this as Soler's personal account of the process.
Soler further emphasized her daughter's academic achievements despite the adversities she faces daily. "If they knew she's the top student in her class amidst all this...," she expressed. She also mentioned that her daughter had been unable to sleep the night before and suffered a severe headache in the morning, preventing her from attending school.
The mother preemptively addressed potential criticism for being far from her daughter. "Before anyone judges me for being away, believe me, no one suffers this distance more than I do," she stated.
Her message concluded with a hopeful note for a different outcome in a future application: "I just hope that next time, someone sees everything behind this case, because while time passes, my daughter continues to live a reality she should never have at 11."
The post elicited numerous expressions of support from fellow Cubans, including those who shared similar experiences.
One person commented, "I embrace you with my heart, knowing how hard it is to be away from the one you love."
Another participant shared that they had also faced two denials before receiving a positive response: "The same happened with my son, and the third time was the charm."
Yet another mother remarked on an even longer struggle: "I completely understand how you feel; I am in the same situation, and my youngest son has been denied five times."
"That consular official says no to everyone," noted another user.
Among the responses, some advised seeking guidance to review the case before trying again. "Have faith and seek advice from someone, see what happens. I only wish that next time is the one," commented a participant.
Visa denials are a significant concern for Cuban families seeking to reunite in Mexico, which has increasingly become a migration destination for island residents in recent years.
In 2025, 28,700 Cubans applied for asylum in Mexico between January and September, according to data from the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR).
The movement towards Mexico has also intensified following the closure or tightening of various migration routes to the United States.
For thousands of Cubans, Mexico has become not just a transit point towards the U.S. border but a viable alternative destination.
For those with family legally established in Mexico, there are different immigration categories available.
The Mexican Consulate in Havana processes family reunification visas with prior authorization from the National Institute of Migration and the Unique Processing Number (NUT).
The process requires a consular interview and presentation of documents proving family ties, among other prerequisites.
However, prior INM authorization does not automatically guarantee visa issuance: the request is still subject to the procedural and consular interview requirements.
Official documentation also mentions a non-refundable processing fee.
The Mexican Consulate in Havana has had to clarify misinformation surrounding these procedures.
In January, it refuted claims that the visa requirement for Cuban citizens had been eliminated, urging individuals to rely solely on official Mexican platforms to understand current procedures.
Understanding Mexican Visa Denials for Cuban Families
Why are Mexican visas often denied to Cubans?
Visa denials can occur for various reasons, including inadequate documentation, failure to meet consular interview requirements, or security concerns. Each case is evaluated individually.
What can Cuban applicants do if their visa is denied?
Applicants should review the reasons for denial, seek advice from legal experts or consular consultants, and ensure all documentation is complete and accurate before reapplying.