“Why do so many return to their countries?”: Latina in the U.S. reflects on the American Dream

The TikToker Valentina en USA (@valentinaen_usa) has sparked a debate on social media with a question that many Latinos are contemplating today: “Why are so many people returning to their countries? Is the American Dream overvalued?”. While sharing her makeup routine, Valentina reflects on how, according to some stories, the “American Dream” is no longer what it used to be.

Valentina notes that many people nostalgically remember the "golden years" in the United States during the eighties, nineties, and even the 2000s, when it was easier to find a job, salaries were sufficient, and there was even extra to send money to family members. However, she points out that this is no longer the case and that, in her opinion, the true value of life may lie elsewhere: "Not all the money in the world can buy back or replace the moments you lose with your loved ones," she states.

The creator also mentions that life in the U.S. requires a lot of patience and that adapting to the work pace and rules of another country "is not for everyone." According to her, nowadays, mental health, family, and happiness are prioritized more, and perhaps that is why many people choose to return to their home country and live close to their loved ones.

The comments on her video reflect a range of experiences, from those who believe that the United States is still the land of opportunity, to others who think that “family is family” and prefer to live close to their loved ones. One user expresses that for her, “it definitely is the land of opportunity,” and that her cleaning business has allowed her to achieve stability. Another user remarks, “It’s hard to start from scratch, but people come here thinking they will automatically have everything, and they are mistaken.” Some even mention that, like Valentina, they have started to value time with family more, as “money will never pay for time, health, and life itself.”

Other users believe that the problem isn't the United States, but rather the unrealistic expectations many people have before migrating: "What happens is that many are filled with fantasies, and when they arrive, they crash against reality." Among the comments, it's also noted that migrating "requires a lot of mental strength" and that "not everyone is prepared to be away from their family." One user encapsulated this sentiment by saying, "Even if the cage is made of gold, it’s still a cage."

For Valentina and many others on TikTok, the debate is still ongoing. Is the American Dream a realistic goal or an illusion that belongs to the past? As she puts it, each person must live their own experience and decide what is best for their life.