A young Latina, Anny López, residing in New York City, has stirred up social media with a video capturing a day in her life as an immigrant, describing her experiences as "being poor in the United States." The post, which has garnered over 2.4 million views on TikTok, has ignited an intense conversation about the realities faced by immigrants and how they navigate challenges in their new lives abroad.
In the video, @annylpez3 shares how many immigrants encounter financial struggles upon arriving in the U.S., highlighting that even if they hold university degrees or respected professions back home, in America, "we're all the same and worth the same." Anny, who lives in a rented apartment in NYC where washing machines are prohibited, documents her weekly routine of doing laundry at a public laundromat, a task she describes as commonplace but necessary in her circumstances.
Although Anny emphasized that her intent wasn't to create division, stating "not all of us are poor, but we do start from the bottom," the video prompted mixed reactions. Some viewers appreciated her honesty, with comments like, "She's sharing her reality, and that's good; don't believe everything on social media. I love your honesty." However, others challenged her generalizations, arguing that not all immigrants face such hardships: "Not all of us are poor. My parents planned ahead, and we arrived with a house and a business."
Public Reaction and Cultural Reflections
The discussion also delved into cultural aspects, such as the use of public laundromats, which she describes as "very normal" in New York. This sparked a wave of curious and critical reactions. "Why did she mix whites and colors?" asked one user, pointing out the unusual nature of this practice. Another remarked, "I feel NYC isn't for poor folks like me; it's really expensive to live there."
Some took the opportunity to share their personal experiences: "I have a washing machine, but I must say the laundromat saved me many times. You can wash and dry a lot more clothes at once." Others, however, questioned whether the video truly represented the immigrant community: "Not all of us live the same way. We shouldn't generalize."
The Broader Conversation on Migrant Challenges
The video also reopened a recurring debate among immigrants about privileges and sacrifices. While some criticized the tone of the comments for underestimating the reality of starting from scratch, others felt offended by the implication that all immigrants face the same situation. "The worst enemy of an immigrant is another immigrant who's been here longer and thinks they're better than you," Anny responded to some criticisms.
The impact of Anny's post highlights the diverse realities immigrants face in the United States. Can one romanticize being poor in a developed nation, or is it merely a way to shed light on difficulties many choose not to display? Anny López's video sparked a heated debate, revealing divided opinions on the immigrant experience.