Ariel Ramos Perdomo Discusses New Life in the U.S. and His Bond with Viral Cuban Grandma Marta

Ariel Ramos Perdomo, the young Cuban who gained fame through his videos with Marta, an elderly woman he affectionately called "grandma," has confirmed upon his recent arrival to the U.S. that Marta is not his biological grandmother. However, he emphasized that he loves her as if she were and that she will continue to be a fundamental part of his life.

Ramos Perdomo, who arrived in Missouri this weekend thanks to the humanitarian parole program, explained in an interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón that he met Marta nearly four years ago when he and his partner rented a house owned by her. He detailed that Marta has no interest in traveling to the U.S. and stressed that her decision must be respected as she is an elderly person.

Respecting Marta's Decision to Stay in Cuba

"She is not interested in coming. She wants to stay in Cuba. It's logical. We cannot force elderly people to make decisions just because we want them to. They have the right to decide, and her decision is to stay," Ariel explained. "I have prepared a video that shows Marta's true feelings. She is 79 years old. At that age, it's very difficult to start anew and emigrate. She is in the best hands in Cuba, with her family. From my side, she will never be abandoned," assured the tiktoker.

The young man, who studied veterinary medicine but never practiced due to the living conditions in Cuba, is determined to continue creating content from the United States. He wants Marta to be part of his content because, as he says, "there is no Ariel without Marta."

In several moments of the interview, Ariel emphasized that beyond her biological family taking good care of her in Cuba, he will also ensure she lacks nothing. "Blood does not determine a family. I also want to make it clear that she is in good hands, eats well, and, as she herself says, there is still a lot of life in Marta," concluded Ramos Perdomo.

When questioned about his decision to emigrate, he said that the United States is "the country of freedom, the country where you can achieve anything you set your mind to," and expressed his happiness at starting a new life.

"What can I tell you, like every migrant who comes here for the first time, it has been wonderful. I was completely unaware of such a marvelous country, and it has been truly impressive for me. I imagine it happens to all of us," he said, describing his first impressions.

Ramos Perdomo, 29, also commented on the situation of the elderly in Cuba, who survive on pensions of 1,500 pesos a month. "We had to fight, her daughter had to fight, my mom and dad had to fight, the whole family, everyone had to fight to give Marta the life she deserves," he said about the elderly woman.

Ariel Perdomo also expressed his distress over the difficult situation faced by young Cubans, many of whom cannot leave the country and see their dreams frustrated. "I see many young people who cannot leave, who don't have the opportunity, who are wasting time. It is very, very, very difficult. You see people aging, and aging rapidly. It is heartbreaking for me to see young people who cannot start their lives," he said.