The TikTok user @osmanylozada1974 has sparked a lively discussion on the platform by sharing his journey as a Cuban immigrant in the United States. In his video, he admits that despite living in the country for over two decades, he still hasn't fully adapted. “As a friend of mine used to say, this place is only appealing to those who haven't experienced anything else,” he states, emphasizing that life in the U.S. is not solely about financial stability but is also filled with loneliness and nostalgia.
Osmany recalls meeting a woman who had lived in the U.S. for 39 years and still missed Cuba. “I asked her at what age one adapts, and she said at 40. I've been here for 39 years, and I haven't adapted,” he recounts. For him, adaptation is not merely a matter of time but stems from a deep sense of uprootedness. “Sometimes you have money, sometimes you're doing okay financially, but you feel like you're lacking because you don't have family, you miss your neighborhood. It's not just about money,” he asserts.
His account highlights the internal struggle many Cubans face while living in exile. “This pressure, this stress... this loneliness, I've experienced it many times, and I'm sure it's the reality for many people here,” he says, adding that many Cubans abroad yearn to return home. “People are determined to overthrow the dictatorship because they're desperate for change so they can go back,” he explains, convinced that the feeling of belonging never truly fades away.
The video has ignited a heated debate among Cubans. Some resonate with his perspective, asserting that they have never managed to feel entirely at home away from the island. “I've been living here for 45 years and have never adapted,” commented one user. Others, however, defend their life in the U.S., claiming they have found a sense of home there. “If you can't adapt here, I doubt you could get used to the blackouts and the lack of food and freedom,” another user replied.
The testimony of @osmanylozada1974 brings to light a dilemma many immigrants face: is it truly possible to fully adapt, or will Cuba always remain in one's heart? Although the answer varies with each individual's story, his experience underscores that the nostalgia of exile is a reality many Cubans endure, regardless of how many years they spend away from their homeland.
Cuban Exile Experience and Adaptation
Why do some Cuban immigrants struggle to adapt to life in the U.S.?
Many Cuban immigrants struggle with adapting due to a deep sense of nostalgia, loneliness, and disconnection from their cultural roots and family. The emotional ties to Cuba often remain strong, making it difficult to feel fully at home elsewhere.
What factors contribute to the feeling of uprootedness among Cuban expatriates?
The feeling of uprootedness often arises from the absence of family and familiar community connections, as well as the cultural differences and challenges of building a new life in a foreign country.
How do some Cuban expats manage to find a sense of home in the U.S.?
Some Cuban expats find a sense of home by embracing new opportunities, building strong communities, and adapting to the cultural environment, while also maintaining connections to their Cuban heritage.