Cubans and Venezuelans Deserve Freedom, Despite the Challenges

Newly arrived immigrants face obstacles, but their resilience and determination can help them thrive in freedom

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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This opinion piece discusses the struggles that Cubans and Venezuelans face in adapting to life in freedom after living under oppressive regimes. The author, who grew up in a Cuban immigrant family in Miami, acknowledges that freedom is not easy, but argues that those who have endured oppression deserve the opportunity to live in freedom and will ultimately thrive, even if the transition is difficult.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Cubans and Venezuelans seeking to rebuild their lives in freedom after living under authoritarian rule. It provides important context and perspective on the resilience and determination of these immigrant communities, and the need to support their transition to democratic societies.

The details

The author recounts her own family's experience as Cuban immigrants, describing how her parents had to take jobs below their skill level due to the language barrier and other challenges. She notes that a common refrain among newly arrived Cubans was "No es fácil" - "It's not easy." As Venezuela begins the difficult work of rebuilding after years of socialist rule, and tensions continue to rise in Cuba, the author argues that freedom is a "muscle you must use, or it weakens," and that those who have endured oppression often become some of freedom's "strongest defenders" once they are allowed to live it.

  • The author was a child when her family left Cuba.
  • Tensions are continuing to rise in Cuba as the Trump administration directs more involvement in the Caribbean.

The players

Judy Pino

The author of the opinion piece, who grew up in a Cuban immigrant family in South Florida.

Cubans

Immigrants from Cuba who have fled the island's authoritarian regime and settled in places like Miami's Little Havana neighborhood.

Venezuelans

Immigrants from Venezuela who are seeking to rebuild their lives in freedom after years of socialist rule in their home country.

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What they’re saying

“No es fácil.”

— Newly arrived Cubans (The author's personal experience)

The takeaway

This story serves as a reminder that while the transition to freedom may be difficult, those who have endured oppression deserve the opportunity to live in freedom and can ultimately thrive, even if the process is not easy. It highlights the resilience and determination of immigrant communities like Cubans and Venezuelans, and the importance of supporting their efforts to rebuild their lives in democratic societies.