Yoandra, her brother and son traversed 3,000 miles, crossed multiple borders and endured a harrowing seven-day walk through the Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama before reaching El Paso, Texas.
The move follows reports in August that U.S. diplomats in Havana had been subjected to mysterious "sonic" attacks that led to hearing loss, headaches and other health problems.
Investigators are probing why staff at the U.S. Embassy in Havana have experienced symptoms including hearing loss. Some experts think it could have been accidentally caused by surveillance equipment.
The State Department says several U.S. State Department officials in Cuba have developed strange medical symptoms. Reports suggest they may have been caused by a covert sonic weapon.
Their work on politics, music and local issues is tolerated by the state, but can still be censored or shut down. "They are committed to expressing themselves through this format," says a Cuba expert.
President Trump is imposing new restrictions on travel and trade with Cuba. Individual travelers may have to join tour groups. And business ties with the Cuban military will be sharply curtailed.
President Trump is preparing to announce changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba during a visit to Miami on Friday, possibly tightening restrictions loosened by the Obama administration.
Cuba is not an easy place to buy things: Food is rationed, wages are low, and the black market is a way of life. But at the new Manzana de Gomez mall, one can buy face cream for $162.40 an ounce.