A Cuban mother, who has been residing in the United States for over a year, shared an emotional video on her TikTok account, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing her family with a new lease on life. She emphasized the stark contrast between her experiences in Cuba and the improved quality of life she now enjoys in the U.S.
In the video, which can be found on her TikTok profile @lyli0662, the mother begins by acknowledging the severe challenges faced by Cubans on the island: "I thanked this great country for opening its doors to me, and today I thank it again, because if my children and I were still in Cuba, we would be starving amidst all the misery that the Cuban people are enduring. No one cares, no one is interested, and it's getting worse every day," she expressed with clear emotion.
She highlighted the opportunities she has found in the United States, such as employment, free education for her children, and a superior healthcare system. She pointed out that even without sufficient resources, social assistance enables her to obtain medications and meet her family's basic needs.
"It hurts a lot, but I am very grateful to be in this country because here you can work, seek what you want, and provide for your children. The schools are completely free and wonderful, and the treatment in hospitals is exceptional. I don't have to pay for medicine because I receive assistance, and if I didn't, I could pay for them myself," she explained.
One of the most poignant moments in the video was when she described the medical care her daughter has received in the U.S., in contrast to the inadequate situation they faced in Cuba. "In Cuba, they didn't know what was wrong with my girl, and here they have done everything to help her. There is even someone who comes to my home to assist with her needs. When would I have had that in Cuba? There, they bounced me around, and no one knew what to do with my daughter," she recounted.
The mother also mentioned that, had she remained in Cuba, she would have faced serious repercussions for advocating for her children's rights. Despite the challenges of emigrating, she affirmed that the effort has been worthwhile for the well-being and security of her family.
"That journey was worth it. It was worth being here and having my children with me, so they don't suffer or go hungry. I am grateful to be in this country because you can move forward, little by little, even if it's slow," she concluded.
This testimony echoes the experiences of many Cubans who, in pursuit of a better future, have risked everything to reach the United States. The story of this mother serves as a reminder of the struggles and hopes that drive countless Cuban families to leave their homeland in search of new opportunities.
Key Questions About Cuban Migration and Life in the U.S.
What challenges do Cuban immigrants face in the United States?
Cuban immigrants often face challenges such as language barriers, cultural adjustments, and finding employment. However, they also benefit from opportunities such as better healthcare, education, and social assistance programs.
How does the healthcare system in the U.S. differ from Cuba's?
The U.S. healthcare system offers more advanced medical facilities, treatments, and specialists compared to Cuba's, which suffers from shortages and lack of resources. This often leads to better medical outcomes for patients in the U.S.
Why do many Cuban families choose to emigrate to the United States?
Many Cuban families emigrate to the United States in search of improved living conditions, economic opportunities, and personal freedoms that are not available in Cuba due to the country's economic and political situation.