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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Megan Janetsky

2 Cuban sisters' 4,200-mile journey to the US and a new life

Melanie Cuba Nicaragua Joe Biden
ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Rolo González sisters walked out of Nicaragua's main airport and peered out onto a sea of young men.

The Central American “coyotes” squinted back, trying to find the people they would smuggle to the United States. These were the first steps that 19-year-old Merlyn and 24-year-old Melanie took outside of Cuba. Toting two small backpacks and Melanie’s 1-year-old daughter, the women realized just how alone they were.

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