A young Cuban woman residing in Uruguay has expressed that the immigrant dream isn’t always about reaching the United States. She states that the South American country has become her definitive home and her "safe harbor."
"Many of us find Uruguay to be the final destination, a place where life can be good without having to go further," says the user Betty95 on her TikTok account. She acknowledges that while the United States is the best country for economic prosperity, she didn't come into the world "to have more money but to be happier."
In a video of just over five minutes, she highlights that although many immigrants are driven to the U.S. to reunite with family, others find in countries like Uruguay a quality of life that meets their personal and professional expectations.
"I arrived in Uruguay with a backpack and just enough money to stay for three months. Now I’m about to start university. If I have everything here, why would I see the need to go somewhere else, even to the United States? If my family can visit me, if I can be legal here, if I can be happy here, I don’t see the point in starting over again after working so hard to get what I have," she pointed out.
She mentioned that despite having siblings in Florida and North Carolina, the United States is not in her future plans. "We could live in the same country, but we would still be far apart. Why live in a country where I don’t know when I’ll see my family within that country?" she reflected.
Additionally, she mentions the advantages she has found in Uruguay, such as the ability to speak multiple languages, a job she enjoys with good working conditions, and adequate remuneration. "If I feel good here, why would I need to throw myself into uncertainty again?" she questioned.
Regarding her lifestyle, she comments that she does not see the necessity of owning a car, as it might be essential in many parts of the United States. "I don’t see the point in having a car if you’re not going to use it... Here, it’s not as necessary as in the U.S.," she noted.
"If my family can visit me, if I can be legal and happy here, I don’t see the point in starting from scratch in another place after so much effort to establish myself here," she concluded.
Questions About Living in Uruguay as an Immigrant
Here are some frequently asked questions about the experiences and considerations of immigrants choosing Uruguay over the United States.
Why do some immigrants prefer Uruguay over the United States?
Some immigrants find that Uruguay offers a good quality of life, legal status, and a sense of happiness without the need to start over in a new country like the United States.
What are some advantages of living in Uruguay for immigrants?
Advantages include the ability to speak multiple languages, good working conditions, adequate remuneration, and not needing a car, which is often essential in the U.S.
Can family members visit immigrants living in Uruguay?
Yes, family members can visit, which is a significant factor for those who choose to settle in Uruguay instead of moving to the U.S.