A man fights for a new life in Cuba after the US expels him in an immigration crackdown

Liexer De La Cruz, from Cuba, arrived in Miami for an immigration courtroom hearing, marking the end of his life in the United States. He had spent five years in the US after crossing several countries, obtaining the Cuban Adjustment Act green cards with his wife. De La Cruz, who grew up in Las Minas, Cuba, left due to economic hardships and deteriorating living conditions.

He and his wife attempted to live in Suriname, Guyana, and Brazil, but failed to find stable employment and residency. In May 2021, they fled to the US, enduring a dangerous journey through the Darien Gap. De La Cruz's dreams of starting a handyman business in the US were dashed, as he was given 120 days to leave. His wife stayed in the US, while De La Cruz returned to Cuba to be with his mother.