A young Cuban shared his experience as an immigrant in the United States on social media this Tuesday, claiming that, ironically, the first person to welcome new arrivals is often the same one who later kicks them out for what he considers ridiculous reasons. “The first person who receives and welcomes you is the first to stab you in the back and betray you,” commented Edgy (@edgy.mp3) on TikTok.
He explained that the reasons for being kicked out of the homes where they are initially welcomed are, according to him, absurd: “They stop talking to you or kick you out over things like missing money, jealousy with their partner, or some conflict related to food.”
The young man also highlighted one of the harsh realities he has discovered living in the United States: without a job, “you are nobody,” and illustrated how money is spent with a witty phrase: “Here, just breathing costs you $100.”
Despite never having worked in Cuba, in the United States, he learned to perform various jobs, from Burger King to laying carpets or working at Walmart: “Nothing compares to the feeling of cashing your weekly check and spending it in stores like Ross,” he added with a touch of humor.
Another challenge he mentioned was the lack of free time: “You don’t even have time to scratch your butt,” he expressed colloquially, describing how the daily routine between work and home leaves him exhausted at the end of the week, without energy to go out or enjoy leisure time.
Finally, he concluded that this is the price to pay for living in a country like the United States.
Advice for New Cuban Immigrants
Luis David Fuentes, “El Kentubano,” recently shared a video on his YouTube channel that new arrivals in the United States should watch. It’s a brief but impactful motivational talk with a single piece of advice directed at Cubans who have just settled in the United States and have been welcomed into the homes of family and friends: “Find yourselves a small apartment.”
For those who might not have realized, the coach explains that even though they are welcomed with a hug and the words, "Welcome to freedom," in reality, they are a significant burden for those who have to bear the costs of their stay, with increased consumption of electricity, water, gas, etc.
A total of 15,645 Cubans entered the United States during the month of July, according to the latest data revealed by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This figure represents a slight decrease compared to June, when 17,563 Cubans entered the country, marking the lowest entry recorded in the first nine months of fiscal year 2024.
So far in fiscal year 2024, which began on October 1, 2023, a total of 196,567 Cubans have entered the U.S. through various means.
Challenges and Realities for Cuban Immigrants in the U.S.
In light of the experiences shared by Cuban immigrants, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the challenges and realities they face in the United States.
What are the common reasons Cuban immigrants are kicked out of their host’s homes?
Common reasons include conflicts over missing money, jealousy with their host’s partner, or food-related disputes.
What kind of jobs do Cuban immigrants typically find in the United States?
Many Cuban immigrants find jobs in fast food, retail, and manual labor sectors, such as working at Burger King, laying carpets, or working at Walmart.
How many Cubans have entered the U.S. in fiscal year 2024?
As of the beginning of fiscal year 2024, a total of 196,567 Cubans have entered the United States through various means.