Living without papers in Spain: the touching testimony of a Colombian on TikTok

The Colombian @Juanitovids2.0 has brought to light a reality that many immigrants live in Spain: being undocumented is not only frustrating, but it also makes you feel like a "criminal." In his most recent video, where he shares his experience of having spent three years without regularizing his situation, this Latino expresses the mixed emotions that overwhelmed him from his own testimony.

"It's a terrible helplessness," he says, explaining that the mere desire to work and not being able to do so due to the lack of papers made him feel completely powerless. Anger was added to this. For him, "working should be a right," and he doesn't understand how something so essential becomes a privilege for those who do not have the proper documentation.

And the part that affected him the most: feeling like a fugitive. According to him, every time he saw a police officer on the street, the fear of being detained and deported made him feel like he was doing something wrong, when in reality he was just seeking a better quality of life for himself and his family. “Someone who has never done anything wrong in life, someone who is a family person... but the feeling of being a criminal doesn't go away until you manage to get residency,” he confesses.

This video of more than two minutes has had a great impact among its followers, who also shared their experiences. Some deeply identified with it, like Lali, who commented: “That’s how I feel today. Tomorrow will be nice.” Others expressed their admiration, like Julia, who wrote: “You are very brave to come to another country with nothing, I applaud you all.”

There were not lacking those who, as always, opined from a different angle. "Whether with proper documentation or under the table, salaries are just to survive, and that’s all," Alejandro pointed out, reflecting another harsh reality about work in Spain.

The testimony of this Colombian is not just a personal relief, but a mirror for many immigrants going through the same situation. With over 1000 likes, his story has made it clear that being an undocumented immigrant is much more than being unable to work; it is a daily struggle to live without fear and in search of a better future.