A young Cuban mother who has been living in the United States for almost a year shared a viral video on TikTok detailing some of her achievements since moving to the country. She highlighted the significant improvements she has made in transportation.
Yuliet Mijenes recounted that she initially walked her son to school, covering a total of eight miles daily (almost 9 kilometers) due to the round trips. Their situation improved slightly when they were gifted a small bicycle, which they used for their daily commutes.
However, as life became more complex with longer distances to cover—school, work, and running errands—Yuliet decided to buy an electric bicycle. Yet, the bike wasn’t practical on rainy days, forcing her to use Uber occasionally, which added to her daily expenses and set a new goal: getting a car.
“Now we move around in a little car, in a 'transportation,' as some say. Well, I’m happy. I think I’ve achieved quite a lot in less than a year. Nothing, just keep moving forward… Everything takes a process,” Yuliet concluded. Her heartfelt story has garnered over 600 comments and 6,000 likes so far.
In a more recent video, Yuliet addressed a less pleasant aspect of her journey, revealing that she has had to move three times since she arrived. “Emigrating is like a roller coaster that goes up and down… and passes through dark places where you don’t know what’s going to happen. That’s exactly how it is,” she reflected while carrying her belongings in bags to her car.
In the comments section, friends and followers encouraged her to stay positive and determined through the more challenging parts of her immigrant journey.
In recent years, over half a million Cubans have arrived in the United States through various means. Amidst this wave of new beginnings, hopes, and ongoing challenges, many have shared their joys, sorrows, triumphs, and frustrations on social media, offering advice and solidarity to those dreaming of emigrating or already in the process.
Last August, a young man explained how he bought his first car as soon as he got his papers, revealing his secret to achieving that and other goals after emigrating. “I’ve been in this country for just a year, a year and five months… Since I arrived, I’ve been focused, working, saving to improve myself, and after a year, when I got my papers, I was able to buy my car, with effort and sacrifice,” he explained, proudly pointing to his white Nissan Sentra.
On a less favorable note of migration, a couple of months earlier in June, another young Cuban woman residing in Texas urged those living on the island to understand that things aren’t as easy as they seem from the outside and that newcomers can only help their immediate family members, not everyone.
And so, Cubans in the United States continue to push forward, each at their own pace and within their means, but most remain aware that turning back is not an option.
Challenges and Achievements of Cuban Immigrants in the U.S.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the experiences and challenges faced by Cuban immigrants in the United States, along with their achievements and strategies for success.
What are some common challenges Cuban immigrants face in the U.S.?
Cuban immigrants often face challenges such as finding stable housing, securing employment, learning English, and adjusting to a new culture and legal system.
How do Cuban immigrants achieve their goals in the U.S.?
Many Cuban immigrants achieve their goals through hard work, saving money, focusing on their objectives, and leveraging support from family and community networks.
What is the significance of social media for Cuban immigrants?
Social media platforms like TikTok provide Cuban immigrants a space to share their experiences, offer advice, and build a sense of community and support.