One Foot Here and The Other in Cuba
HAVANA TIMES – Each reality is different, with other challenges and problems.
In Cuba, it was scarcity and fear. Freedom is not granted by anyone; it is a natural right whose exercise depends on the context.
But in Cuba, it was and still is dangerous to be a free man, and you also have to deal with the misery of every day and the lack of opportunities to achieve your dreams.
Here [in the USA], it’s not as much the case; here, it’s a different reality. It’s about getting used to uprootedness, the distance from loved ones, the memories.
I’ve been getting used to it and slowly solving the challenges of this society, so foreign and different. I already know the city, my English has been improving slowly but noticeably, just like my finances. At least I have a poorly paid job, but now I can live alone, pay my expenses, and although the money doesn’t stretch much further than that, I still have hope of continuing to progress.
But these hopes are starting to fade. The new administration under President Trump is determined to get rid of as many immigrants as possible. His followers, especially Cubans who already have citizenship status, praise his decisions.
“He’s only going to expel the criminals,” they say.
They pretend to ignore that in Trump’s dictionary, there’s no distinction between criminals and immigrants, especially Latinos.
Now my new challenge is to overcome the fear and frustration of knowing that my future in this nation depends on the decisions of an old egomaniac.
But my inner dialogue remains firm and unmistakable. I am strong and I know that whether it’s in the United States or in Cuba, I will survive.
If I have to return to my country, if they force me, I will do so with my anti-communist head held high. Men die standing…
Glqd to hear from you again Pedro. I have read your posts for several years and encouraged you to leave the Hell Hole Cuba has become. I understand your fear
of uncertainty in this new society and new culture especially under the new administration. Rest assured that as a working immigrant with no criminal background
you have much less to worry about here in the US. I also understand your concern with the new leadership in the US but it is much needed, nessecary and much overdue.
another four years like the last four and we would be well on the road to losing the vast freedom we have as Americans.
For years the American left (those who want to penalize success and grow government) have used immigration as a political grudal to build another dependency class. After years of using African Americans to that effect, the black population finally came to the conclusion that they were being used by leftist politians and on November
5th they voted in unusual high numbers for a conservative who is doing exactly what he
promised to do. He has a very large ego and an often bombastic response to critisum,
but he is enormously successful and those close to him will tell you that he loves this nation and ALL it’s people. That fact that he has shut down our open borders should come as no surprise. The millions pouring in without ANY traceable documentation
is simply unsustainable and the American people voted to stop it. The current purge is a result of the past administration’s leftest hope to build a huge dependency class over time so as to never lose an election after a couple of decades of handing out tax dollars and benefits that should be going to those who pay the taxes that keep this nation running. Not to mention the official corruption siphoning billions from the national treasury which some see as normal when the people have a vote; I disagree.
I could go on and on Pedro, but let me ask you this simple question; are you better off here in the Free State of Florida USA than you were under a regime that has totally destroyed what was a carribean gem? Stay strong my friend.
It is wonderful to have you back in thr Havana Times Diaries Mr. Morejon! I’ve missed your perspectives. I hope you continue to write.
I watch long lines at MIA of US Cubans bringing pallet loads of necessities back to Cuba families. I understand the frustration and anger of the whole situation but what sense does this make
A very minor adjustment of relations and the People of Cuba could have those basic necessities overnight without either side having to give up much
VIVA CUBA
Agreed 100%. Thank your for writing this. But many of us are also to blame, not for voting without thinking, but because many Cubans do not listen or follow the advice of their own.
I came here back in 2000 for clear economic reasons, that later changed to safety reasons as the news of our departure was known in our old town, Holguin.
25 years later and after never going back for anything, our family in Cuba still get bad fake death news from us from their local authorities in the island. We don’t trust Cuba and many here are in the same boat.
But many of us come here claiming escaping from Cuba, just to go back months later as tourists. We understand family is family and most need our help. But, do they think the American government knows or care about your problems? Good luck if you believe that.
Unfortunately, we have been dealt the undesirable fate of Cubans who want a better life with freedom and opportunities, but we have abused the kindness and privileges we had, asking for asylum, and returning to Cuba as soon as we had residency.
We came and supported a leftist government that only serve to give oxygen to the regime.
We have what we deserve, as Cubans there is no unity, we all work for our own personal interests and not for ONE common interest.
The Cuban government continues to use us.
Trump’s ideas will not effect honest Cubans like it was during Biden’s team and administration.Alejandro MAYORKAS and Carlos del Toro alongside Sec of State Marco Rubio stand valiant to prove that America had always been the Land of the Free and the Home of Daring.Migration is the issue for everyone now ,in any country: small or big ,and it will be solved against all odds and obstacles.
Try and come to Canada. Freedom truly lives here.
I have been to Cuba at least five times.l am impressed of the simplicity of their living conditions.l wish and l hope,the embargo by the USA to be lifted as soon as possible possible.b
Have visited Cuba 3 times & I love it: Havana, Varadero, Vinales and other parts. This month I was to go to the eastern part: Holguin – beach area – and the airline cancelled the flight because of power & food shortages. Me gusta el pais mucho !
If you don’t have permanent residence status you don’t have any right to stay in the USA. The way immigration was going in the USA there would be a billion immigrants there soon It’s not sustainable.
I am sorry that the new President has placed the Future of so many immigrants in doubt. Stay Strong.
Seeking freedom comes with a price. I immigrated to the US, legally in 1972. My family and I left Cuba in 1971. We were able to obtain a visa to Spain and then we were able to move to Costa Rica. I immigrated along to the US and then both of my parents followed.
The current immigration situation in the US is one that took years before Trump took office in 2025.
No country in the world allows immigrants with a history such as rapist, fugitives, gang members, thieves without knowing who they are. Unfortunately, those who come seeking freedom with a clean slate are caught in a very tough situation.
The US has laws which must be followed. You cannot come in the US without following the law.
I your a true Patriot! You have to live Communism to understand how toxic it can be…