Luis David Fuentes, known as 'El Kentubano,' has shared a video on his YouTube channel titled "the video that newly arrived Cubans in the United States should watch." This brief yet forceful motivational talk offers a single piece of advice to Cubans who have recently settled in Kentucky (southeastern United States) and are staying with family and friends: "Find yourself a little apartment."
Fuentes emphasizes that even though they may be welcomed with open arms and told, "Welcome to freedom," they are actually a significant burden—"a big problem"—for those who host them. The hosts have to shoulder the extra expenses of their stay, including higher consumption of electricity, water, and gasoline.
Moreover, having newly arrived relatives disrupts the hosts' routines and plans. "Their customs and ways of doing things are affected." Fuentes humorously points out, "Maybe the guy wants to be in his underwear and the woman without a bra, but they can't because you are there." He also mentions that the hosts can't plan a party "because you are there."
The situation worsens if the host becomes the newly arrived Cuban's personal chauffeur. "Take me to the lawyer, take me to the doctor." Fuentes stresses that in America, "time is gold," and anyone who dedicates fifteen minutes to you deserves lifelong gratitude. He made these remarks to an audience of just over a dozen newly arrived Cubans.
To illustrate the importance of time in the United States, he reminded them that people are paid by the hour. Fuentes assured them that they would understand his advice in a few years, unless the dictatorship in Cuba ends and Cubans no longer need to emigrate.
"When years go by and you have your furnished house, planned vacations, and everything in order, and suddenly you get a WhatsApp call from a friend or cousin in Cuba saying, 'Hey, we're coming over.' They arrive with their spouse and three kids, don't clean the dishes, and spend all day on the phone. In that situation, I bet you'll show them the door within a week."
It’s not that the friend or family member hosting them in the United States is a bad person. "No, you are a problem." Therefore, he advises, "move out and find a little apartment" because he has seen many families upset over this issue.
"Those who have been here for years have their priorities, their ways, and they know how things work. The newcomers bring their customs and habits from Cuba. It's complicated because everyone here has their schedule, their way of being, their money, and their planning, and you are disrupting it," Fuentes said.
In the past two years, more than 50,000 Cubans have settled in Kentucky, particularly in Louisville (15,000), which is considered the second Miami. The presence of islanders has influenced local customs and culture, resulting in the fusion that created the "kentubanos."
According to a BBC report in 2023, Cuban immigrants prefer Kentucky for its lower taxes, affordable living costs, job opportunities in large companies like Amazon, General Electric, and UPS, and the possibility of acquiring properties at reasonable prices.
In September 2023, The New York Times reported that Cubans "represent the largest immigrant group in Louisville, and their increasing numbers have helped offset the population decline in the county of 770,000 residents as young Americans move to larger cities."
The Cuban influence in Kentucky is most noticeable in the city’s nightlife, with the opening of restaurants and clubs offering authentic Cuban food and music to cater to both the growing islander community and the locals. Additionally, they even have a magazine, El Kentubano, which provides news about the host community, Cuba, community events, and job and housing opportunities for newcomers.
The first Cubans to arrive in Louisville came during the mass exodus after the Special Period. Those without family in Miami were relocated to states like Kentucky.
Understanding the Challenges for Newly Arrived Cubans in Kentucky
For newly arrived Cubans, navigating a new life in Kentucky can be challenging. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you understand the situation better.
Why does Luis David Fuentes advise newly arrived Cubans to find their own apartment?
Fuentes advises newly arrived Cubans to find their own apartment to avoid becoming a significant burden on their hosts, who have to deal with increased expenses and disrupted routines.
What challenges do hosts face when accommodating newly arrived relatives?
Hosts face increased expenses in utilities and possibly becoming chauffeurs for the newcomers. Their routines and personal space are also significantly disrupted.
Why is time considered very valuable in the United States?
In the United States, time is highly valued because people are paid by the hour, making it a precious resource that should be respected and used wisely.
What makes Kentucky an attractive destination for Cuban immigrants?
Kentucky offers lower taxes, affordable living costs, job opportunities in major companies, and the possibility of acquiring properties at reasonable prices, making it an attractive destination for Cuban immigrants.