A young Latina, Anny López, who lives in New York, has shaken up social media with a video that showcases a day in her life as an immigrant and, in her own words, "being poor in the United States."
The post, which has already garnered over 2.4 million views on TikTok, has sparked an intense debate about the realities faced by migrants and how they cope with the challenges in their new lives abroad.
In the video, @annylpez3 explains how many migrants face economic challenges upon arriving in the United States, noting that, even if they hold university degrees or respected professions in their home countries, in the U.S., "we are all the same and worth exactly the same." Anny, who lives in a rented apartment in New York where washing machines are not permitted, documented her weekly routine of doing laundry at a public laundromat, describing it as common yet necessary in her situation.
Although the young woman emphasized that her intention was not to create divisions, stating, "not all of us are poor, but we do start from the bottom," many users reacted with mixed opinions. Some appreciated her honesty, with comments like, "She shares her reality, and that’s good; we shouldn't believe everything that’s sold on social media. I love your sincerity." However, others challenged her generalization, asserting that not all migrants face those difficulties: "Not all of us are poor. My parents planned ahead, and we arrived with our own home and a business."
The discussion also covered cultural topics, such as the use of public laundries, which she describes as "perfectly normal" in New York and that sparked a wave of curious reactions and criticisms. "Why did she mix white and colored clothes?" asked one user, highlighting the unconventional nature of this practice. Another commented, "I feel like NY isn't for poor people like me; it's really expensive to live there."
Some took the opportunity to share their personal experiences: "I have a washing machine, but I have to say that the public laundry has saved me a thousand times. You can wash and dry many more kilos of clothes at once." Others, however, questioned whether the video truly represented the migrant community: "Not everyone lives the same way. We shouldn't generalize."
The video also reopened a recurring debate among migrants about privileges and sacrifices. While some criticized the tone of the comments for underestimating the reality of those starting from scratch, others felt offended by the notion that all migrants face the same situation. "The worst enemy of a migrant is another migrant who has been here longer and already feels superior to you," Anny stated in response to some criticisms.
The impact of this publication highlights the different realities faced by migrants in the United States. Can poverty in a developed country be romanticized? Or is it simply a way to expose the difficulties that many prefer not to showcase? Anny López's video sparked a heated debate, revealing divided opinions on the migrant experience.
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