A Cuban woman took to TikTok to address remarks she overheard at her workplace regarding Cubans living in the United States. In her video, she tackled stereotypes labeling Cubans as "lazy" and suggested that "everything is handed to them easily." The woman, known on TikTok as @sheilaperezcuba, stated, "Most people agree that Cubans are lazy and that everything is made easy for us." However, she emphasized the significant challenges Cubans face when leaving the island.
"I understand that some have been here for 10 or 20 years without papers, but it's not my fault that most of us, after a year or so, receive residency and can become citizens in five years," she argued. She explained that the situation in Cuba is markedly different from other countries in the region. "In other parts of Latin America, they have borders. We are an island, and many have risked their lives crossing the sea out of desperation to leave that country," she highlighted.
She further emphasized the economic limitations in Cuba and the hardships that Cubans endure to emigrate. According to her, these circumstances justify the distinctive immigration treatment they receive in the United States.
Concluding her message, she called for reflection on the prejudices against Cubans. "Every nationality has good and bad people. That has nothing to do with nationality. If Cubans receive certain benefits, it's because our reality in Cuba is extremely difficult. We haven't chosen any of this. Don't criticize Cubans; instead, focus on your own situations," she concluded.
Understanding Cuban Immigration Challenges
Why do some people perceive Cubans as having it easy in the U.S.?
Some believe that Cubans have it easy because they often receive residency and citizenship more quickly due to the unique immigration policies for Cubans in the U.S.
What are the main challenges Cubans face when leaving Cuba?
Cubans face significant challenges such as economic limitations, the lack of borders due to the island geography, and risking their lives crossing the sea to escape.
How does the Cuban reality differ from other Latin American countries?
Unlike other Latin American countries, Cuba is an isolated island, and many Cubans risk their lives crossing the sea to leave, which is not the case for those with land borders.