A Cuban immigrant in the United States has sparked a debate after sharing his thoughts on TikTok about the difficulties many migrants face upon arrival, particularly in their first jobs. In his video, the young man, identified as @jc.santac, questions the lack of support among compatriots, recounting his personal experience as he started his first job abroad.
"Explain to me why there's a need to mistreat someone who just arrived and says they don't know how to do anything. It's like being born again. You don't know how to speak English or how the machines work," he comments in the video. According to his testimony, newcomers face a tough adaptation process, learning new things they have never seen before. This is compounded by the mistreatment they sometimes receive from people who have gone through the same experiences.
"You realize that you enter a job and they treat you badly, make you feel inferior, and sometimes it's people from your own country," he laments. In his critique, he points out that these same people should be the ones offering support and patience, as they understand firsthand the challenges that newcomers face. In contrast, he mentions receiving more help and guidance from Americans who don't speak Spanish.
"What's the need to treat your own people so poorly? Support them, teach them, and you'll notice that they don't have patience. An American who doesn't know Spanish comes along, and that person teaches you everything," he says.
The video has generated numerous responses and comments from other migrants, who share their own experiences of discrimination or support abroad. "But remember that some people arrive thinking they know everything and don't want to be helped, I'm telling you from my experience at work," "As the saying goes, there's no worse splinter than from the same stick," "There's no more empathy, feelings and brotherhood are gone," "The most correct and true words I've heard, I arrived with my husband recently from Cuba and we're looking for work, and they look at us like we're strange, very tough," "It's true, they should help us move forward, many people are like that," are some of the reactions to this Cuban's video.
Challenges Faced by Cuban Immigrants in the U.S.
Given the content of the article, here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the challenges faced by Cuban immigrants in the United States.
What are the main challenges Cuban immigrants face when they arrive in the U.S.?
Cuban immigrants often face language barriers, unfamiliarity with new work environments, and sometimes a lack of support from fellow compatriots. These challenges can make the adaptation process particularly difficult.
Why do some Cuban immigrants experience mistreatment from their compatriots?
Some Cuban immigrants may face mistreatment from their compatriots due to a lack of empathy or patience. Those who have been in the country longer may have forgotten the struggles of being a newcomer and may not offer the necessary support.
How can the situation for new Cuban immigrants be improved?
Improving the situation for new Cuban immigrants requires more empathy, patience, and support from those who have already settled in. Additionally, community programs and resources that provide language and job training can help ease the transition.