Lisset Catalina, a Cuban content creator on TikTok, shared her experience as an immigrant in Uruguay through an emotional video, addressing the criticisms others have made about the South American country, describing it as a difficult place to progress economically.
In her video, Lisset, known as @lorenzolisset on the platform, offered her testimony on how she has managed to thrive in her new country of residence. "For those who say Uruguay is a terrible country, that you can't save money or help your family in Cuba from here, I don't agree. This country opened its doors to me," she expressed at the beginning of the video, responding to negative comments she had heard about Uruguay.
The content creator recounted how she arrived in the country with a small suitcase and few belongings, but over time, she has managed to acquire an apartment, a car to work for Uber, and a new motorcycle. She also mentioned that she recently obtained a loan to purchase another car and expand her business. "Sometimes we want everything handed to us, but nothing falls from the sky," she added, reflecting on the effort and dedication it took for her and her husband to stabilize themselves over two years, facing hardships like hunger and cold. However, she now feels proud of what she has achieved in Uruguay, a country she does not plan to leave.
Throughout the video, the Cuban also expressed her gratitude to her husband, who motivated her not to give up when she considered returning to Cuba: "Today I thank my husband who told me, if you want to go to Cuba, you pay for your ticket, and the girl stays."
"I love my Cuba and I hope one day it will be the Cuba of the past, but for now, my country is Uruguay, and I don't plan to emigrate to any other country," she said firmly.
Lisset's message resonated with her followers, many of whom left supportive comments. One user wrote: "Thank you, because your reflection gave me strength. I've been here a year and a half, and now I can't find work. Today I turn 54, and it's hard, but you gave me strength." Another user, though skeptical, asked, "And what are you working on? Because it doesn't seem that easy here, believe me." In response, Lisset clarified that she works for Uber, in addition to cleaning houses and cutting grass, doing "whatever comes up" to generate income.
On the other hand, some expressed doubts about the veracity of her story. "You didn't know the Cuba of the past. It seems you're neither poor nor have you gone through all those hardships. So much progress as a humble worker is not true. Don't lie to your compatriots," wrote another follower. However, other users defended her stance, asserting that it is possible to progress in Uruguay with effort and discipline. "You can do it here if you set your mind to it," commented another follower.
The video, which has garnered hundreds of comments and thousands of views, has sparked an intense debate about the experiences of immigrants in Uruguay and other Latin American countries. While some argue that success depends on personal effort, others believe that economic hardships and lack of opportunities make it difficult to achieve similar goals.
The Cuban, for her part, promised to share more details about her life as an immigrant and an anecdote about a young Cuban she met in Uruguay in future videos, closing her message with a piece of advice: "With a lot of patience, everything arrives."
Challenges and Success of Cuban Immigrants in Uruguay
Below are some frequently asked questions about the experiences and challenges faced by Cuban immigrants in Uruguay, as highlighted by Lisset Catalina's story.
How did Lisset Catalina manage to prosper in Uruguay?
Lisset Catalina managed to prosper through hard work and determination. She arrived with few belongings but gradually acquired an apartment, a car, and a motorcycle. She works for Uber and takes on various jobs such as cleaning houses and cutting grass.
What challenges did Lisset face in Uruguay?
Lisset faced numerous challenges, including hunger and cold, and it took her and her husband two years to stabilize their lives in Uruguay. They had to work hard and make sacrifices to achieve their current stability.
Why do some people doubt Lisset's story?
Some people doubt Lisset's story because they find it hard to believe that someone could achieve so much progress as a humble worker. They question her authenticity and the hardships she claims to have endured.