Drawing from a real-life experience, a TikTok user has voiced her disappointment over the attitude of some Cubans in the United States towards their recently arrived compatriots. "Cubans harming Cubans," she wrote in a video where she expressed her frustration by sharing an incident she experienced at a kiosk she frequently visits. According to her account, the woman working there, who lacks proper documentation, is being exploited with a salary well below the minimum wage.
"The lady works 10 hours a day and is paid far less than the minimum wage in this country. I understand that a business needs to make a profit, but it shouldn't be at the expense of exploiting your workers," commented @cyaile in her widely discussed video. She acknowledged the necessity of earning profits but condemned the exploitation of a loyal and hardworking individual.
The video has sparked hundreds of comments and reactions on TikTok, where many users shared their own experiences and opinions: "You realized now that our people can be cruel"; "I worked at the juice palace and was paid $5 an hour, imagine that"; "If they don't have papers, they don't get 1099 or W2 forms. I wonder how the owner handles this with the IRS"; "Not only that, they start working and end up betraying each other instead of moving forward"; "I worked at a Cuban bakery for 8 hours a day for $40 plus tips. It was tough, but I had no choice, no papers, no family"; "Cubans don't help each other"; "We are truly the worst"; "Cubans are not united, and it's sad," some added.
The content creator, @cyaile, concluded her video with a critical reflection: "If you have a good worker, you want to keep them because you fully trust them. We deserve all the criticism directed at us."
Challenges Faced by Cuban Immigrants in the USA
This section aims to address common questions and concerns regarding the challenges Cuban immigrants face when they arrive in the United States, as highlighted in the TikTok video by @cyaile.
Why are Cuban immigrants often exploited in the workplace?
Cuban immigrants, especially those without proper documentation, are often exploited because they lack legal protections and are desperate for any form of employment. This makes them vulnerable to accepting low wages and poor working conditions.
What legal protections are available for undocumented workers in the USA?
While undocumented workers in the USA have fewer legal protections, they are still entitled to certain rights, such as being paid at least the federal minimum wage and working in safe conditions. However, enforcing these rights can be challenging due to their undocumented status.
How can the Cuban community in the USA support newly arrived immigrants?
The Cuban community can support new immigrants by offering guidance, sharing resources, and fostering a sense of unity. Encouraging fair employment practices and providing legal assistance can also help newly arrived Cubans navigate their new environment more successfully.