Magdiel, a Cuban immigrant living in the United States under the I-220A immigration status, has opened up about the challenges of adapting to life in a developed country, emphasizing the economic and social hurdles immigrants face.
"People in Cuba think that arriving in the U.S. means having money, a house, and a car, but they don't realize that you arrive without any idea of how the economy of a developed country works," Magdiel shared on his TikTok profile (@mag_el_cubano).
He explained that adapting to the economic reality of the United States is a process that begins with understanding the significant differences from the island's economy and learning a new way of managing personal finances.
"When you arrive, you don't know how credit cards work or the market; you don't know how anything works. Simply put, when you get here, you do everything wrong, and if you don't have someone to guide you, it's worse. The first three or four years are a learning experience. If you do it right, by the fifth year, you start to become someone," he said.
The I-220A status allows individuals to remain in the country under supervision while immigration authorities determine their situation. However, those under this status face legal processes that complicate their lives further, generating stress and uncertainty.
Magdiel also spoke about the economic reality many immigrants face in the U.S., debunking the misconceptions some Cubans have about life in the neighboring country.
"What no one says is that it's hard to save money in the United States. You have everything, but you live day-to-day. You work, get your paycheck, and pay all your debts, rent, and bills. People in Cuba think living in the U.S. is easy because you have a car, a fridge full of food, and they believe you have money in the bank, but that's not always the case. The reality is that it almost never works that way," he explained.
Despite the difficulties, he highlights that it is possible to lead a good life with effort and austerity in the initial years: "You can live a dignified life, but it takes a lot of sacrifice," he warned.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Immigrants in the U.S.
Magdiel's experience sheds light on the misconceptions and realities that Cuban immigrants face when they arrive in the United States. Here are some frequently asked questions to help understand these challenges better.
What is the I-220A immigration status?
The I-220A status allows individuals to stay in the U.S. under supervision while immigration authorities determine their legal situation. It involves legal processes that can add stress and uncertainty to the individual's life.
Why are the first years in the U.S. challenging for Cuban immigrants?
The first years are challenging because immigrants must learn how the economy and financial systems work in a developed country, which is significantly different from what they are used to in Cuba. They often make mistakes and face financial struggles as they adapt.
Is it easy to save money in the United States for immigrants?
No, it is not easy to save money. Immigrants often live paycheck to paycheck, paying off debts, rent, and bills, which makes it difficult to accumulate savings.