An Uruguayan woman voiced her discontent on social media towards those who are upset about the influx of immigrants into the country and their efforts to make a living. Anna Karina expressed on TikTok that Cubans, Venezuelans, and Colombians are not taking jobs away from anyone in Uruguay: "Nobody is coming to take anything from you; the truth is many Uruguayans don't like to work in the jobs that immigrants do."
"They come here to get ahead and don't make excuses; they come and work hard," pointed out the woman who defended the immigrants arriving in her country because "they achieve in a couple of years what a Uruguayan can't achieve in 20."
According to Karina, immigrants deprive themselves of many things considered luxuries and instead focus on working: "They work their tails off."
She admitted to being very upset with people who claim that immigrants come to steal jobs from nationals, and to them, she said: "Uruguay was built by foreigners, by immigrants."
Additionally, she challenged them: "What bothers you about lending a hand to an immigrant? You never know which side of the wheel you might end up on one day."
She acknowledged feeling ashamed of the way some Uruguayans treat immigrants: "Learn from them to be more friendly and cheerful, because they go through a lot in life and never lose their smile."
Lastly, she also expressed her discontent with Uruguayan women who claim that Cuban, Colombian, or Dominican women steal their husbands: "Nobody steals them from you; your husband left because he wanted to. Besides, all of them are beautiful and make a lot of effort to be so beyond the fact that biology favors them."
"They get up and groom themselves, and always walk around looking lovely, with a smile that dresses them from head to toe. They have a beautiful zest," she pointed out.
In recent years, Cubans have chosen Uruguay as a migration destination. This country has taken steps to regularize them. For example, last May, the government signed a decree that will allow thousands of Cubans in the country to resolve their immigration status, a benefit that undocumented individuals have requested for months.
After several years of demanding action from the government of Luis Lacalle Pou to be granted residency in the South American country, Cubans and other immigrants from nationalities requiring a visa to enter Uruguay can finally obtain legal status. However, the more than 20,000 Cubans residing in that nation, who are legally eligible to apply for citizenship, will receive a passport that, in practice, does not significantly improve their travel freedoms, as it remains ineffective for obtaining visas and traveling to many countries.
The Uruguayan constitution, in its Article 73, distinguishes between "legal and natural" citizens, a regulation that limits the mobility rights of migrants who gain citizenship in the country.
Understanding Immigration Issues in Uruguay
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the current immigration situation in Uruguay, especially concerning Cuban immigrants.
Why are Cubans choosing Uruguay as a migration destination?
Cubans are choosing Uruguay due to its relatively open immigration policies and the opportunities for economic advancement that the country offers.
What steps has the Uruguayan government taken to regularize immigrants?
The Uruguayan government signed a decree in May allowing thousands of Cubans and other immigrants to resolve their immigration status, providing them the chance to obtain legal residency.
What limitations do immigrants face even after obtaining Uruguayan citizenship?
Immigrants face limitations in mobility rights due to Article 73 of the Uruguayan constitution, which differentiates between "legal and natural" citizens, restricting their ability to travel freely and obtain visas for other countries.