A 20-year-old Cuban who arrived in the United States just a month ago has found himself homeless on the streets of Tampa after the person who was temporarily hosting him threw him out. “It’s very difficult to be in a country that’s not your own, without family or friends. Believe me, it’s true, without anyone to support you, without anyone to lend you a hand,” said the young man—identified on TikTok as Gisel Humberto—while documenting live as he walked along the edge of a road in search of a place to sleep.
“It’s extremely tough to leave Cuba with the hope of arriving in a new country and having things go well. The hope of working, helping your family, and then experiencing these kinds of setbacks,” he added during another moment of his broadcast. Initially, the migrant did not provide details about the person who had been hosting him or the reason why he was kicked out.
“I didn’t come to this country with the intention of giving up. I came here with a strong desire to work, and even if I face one obstacle after another, I will move forward because that’s the promise I made to my mom. So, I won’t let these hurdles stop me. Forward,” he asserted.
First Night on the Streets
After surviving his first night on the street, the young man, originally from Holguín, explained how the events unfolded on the day he ended up homeless. He recounted that he was doing household chores in the home where he was staying when the person—whose gender he did not disclose—arrived and told him he had to leave because the landlords did not want anyone else there.
With no other option, he left with his backpack and started walking. He looked for nearby churches that might offer him shelter but found none and decided to head toward the airport. He mentioned that along the way, a man stopped and gave him a ride to the airport.
Meanwhile, his mother in Cuba, aware of his situation and desperate, contacted friends who brought him food at the airport and helped him out. He said that while at the airport, a woman also gave him $20. Finally, his mother’s friends brought him food and advised, “Going back to Cuba is not a solution. You’re here now.”
Gisel Humberto noted that he is currently staying with his mom’s friends and is happy because he has received several of his important documents: “my humanitarian aid, social security, my cash, and my food stamps.”
The young man, who mentioned he is a professional dancer and a graduate of an art school, expressed his deep gratitude to those who are helping him get back on his feet. While he hopes to eventually pursue a career in dance, he is realistic about needing to work in any job to get established first. Once he is stable, he plans to expand his horizons and try to break into the professional scene.
In the comments section of his viral posts, many people offered advice to the young Cuban. In recent hours, he also received a visit from the popular and supportive Cuban influencer Dairon Cano.
Challenges Faced by Young Cuban Immigrants in the U.S.
In light of Gisel Humberto's story, here are some frequently asked questions about the difficulties young Cuban immigrants face when arriving in the United States.
What are the common challenges faced by Cuban immigrants upon arriving in the U.S.?
Cuban immigrants often face challenges such as finding stable housing, securing employment, and overcoming language barriers. They may also struggle with cultural adaptation and lack of social support.
How can newly arrived immigrants find support in the U.S.?
New immigrants can seek support from community organizations, churches, and social services. Networking with other immigrants and local residents can also provide valuable assistance and resources.
What steps can immigrants take to ensure a smoother transition to life in the U.S.?
Learning English, understanding local laws and customs, and gaining skills that are in demand in the job market can help ensure a smoother transition. Accessing educational opportunities and community support can also be beneficial.