A Cuban resident in Tampa, Florida, has gone viral on TikTok after sharing a video where she discusses how a friend who emigrated to the United States is considering returning to Cuba due to unmet expectations. The woman, identified on TikTok as @silvita_solamente, recounts the story of her friend who recently confessed that, had he known what awaited him in the United States, he would have never left Cuba. "Someone was telling me the other day that if they had imagined the situation they would face in the United States, they wouldn’t have left Cuba," the Cuban woman begins.
According to her, her friend sold his house, his animals, and all his belongings to emigrate, driven by the promises of friends already living in the United States. "Some friends who live here went to Cuba and told him he would work, make money, and get ahead here. But it hasn’t been like that because the situation has changed," she explains.
The Cuban woman also touches on the skyrocketing prices in the United States, using the cost of automobiles as an example. "I remember when a car used to cost a thousand dollars, mine cost a thousand dollars, but decades ago they would even give them away. Now you’re looking at a minimum of seven thousand. How can someone making $14 an hour save up to buy a car?"
Her friend is contemplating returning to Cuba despite having sold everything to come to the United States. According to her, many who emigrate do so not for political reasons, but for economic ones. "He’s telling me he’s going back to Cuba because, even though he sold everything, he can still get by there. Most of us come here to fill our bellies, not because of political issues. He was really one of those who came seeking economic opportunities. Not many think about dictatorships, but rather about food," the young woman concludes.
This video has sparked a significant amount of comments and debates on social media, with many users sharing their own experiences and opinions about life as an immigrant in the United States. "Better say that people now arrive and want to have from the first day what their friend or family who helped them has, they no longer settle for a thousand-dollar car and want to earn 20 an hour," "I left Cuba and I’ll die here. No car or anything, just knowing I have freedom is enough for me," "I am recently arrived, and it’s tough, even if you have family here. In moments of anxiety, I’ve thought about going back, but I think a lot about my daughter, who I brought with me and her future," "It’s difficult now, but going back to Cuba is never the solution," or "I agree with you, but I’m going to work hard so my daughter has the future and opportunities I didn’t have."
Common Questions About Cuban Immigrants' Experience in the U.S.
To provide more context and understanding on the challenges faced by Cuban immigrants in the United States, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why are many Cuban immigrants considering returning to Cuba?
Many Cuban immigrants are considering returning to Cuba because the economic opportunities in the United States have not met their expectations. The rising cost of living and difficulties in saving money are significant factors.
What are some of the main challenges faced by Cuban immigrants in the U.S.?
Cuban immigrants face several challenges, including high living costs, difficulty in finding well-paying jobs, and adjusting to a different culture and lifestyle. These challenges can make it hard to achieve the economic stability they hoped for.
Are the majority of Cuban immigrants in the U.S. for political or economic reasons?
While some Cuban immigrants flee political persecution, many come to the United States primarily for economic reasons. They seek better job opportunities and a higher standard of living.
How has the cost of living in the U.S. impacted Cuban immigrants?
The increasing cost of living in the United States has made it challenging for Cuban immigrants to save money and achieve financial stability. This has led some to consider returning to Cuba, where they believe they can live more affordably.