A Cuban mother who has been living in the United States for a year and two months shared a touching video on her TikTok account, where she expresses her deep gratitude to this country for giving her and her children a new opportunity in life. In her remarks, the woman emphasizes the vast differences between her experience in Cuba and the quality of life she has found in the United States.
In the video available on her TikTok profile @lyli0662, the mother begins by acknowledging the challenges faced by Cubans on the island:
"I thanked this great country for welcoming me, and today I express my gratitude once again, because if my children and I were in Cuba, we would be dying of hunger, amidst all the misery the Cuban people are experiencing. No one cares, no one is interested, and every day it gets worse," she said with evident emotion.
The woman emphasized the opportunity to succeed in the United States, thanks to access to employment, free education for her children, and the excellent healthcare system. She highlighted that even when she lacks the necessary resources, social assistance helps her obtain medication 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, pursue whatever you want, and provide your children with whatever you wish. Schools are completely free, wonderful, and the treatment in hospitals is exceptional. I don't have to pay for medications because I receive assistance, and if I didn't have that, I could afford them with my own money," she explained.
One of the most poignant moments in the video was when she described the medical care her daughter has received in the United States, contrasting it with the inadequacies they faced in Cuba.
"In Cuba, my daughter wasn't understood, and here they have done everything to help her. There’s even someone who comes to my house to assist me with her and her needs. When would I have had that in Cuba? There, I was left to fend for myself; nobody knew what to do with my daughter," she shared.
The mother also mentioned that if she had remained in Cuba, she would have faced serious repercussions for defending her children's rights. Despite the challenges of emigrating, she affirmed that the effort has been worthwhile for the well-being and safety 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 it is possible to get ahead, little by little, even if it’s slow," she concluded.
This testimony reflects the experiences of many Cubans who, in search of a better future, have risked everything to reach the United States. This mother’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges and hopes that drive so many Cuban families to leave their homeland in pursuit of new opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Emigration and the Search for a Better Future
Why do some Cubans decide to emigrate to the United States?
Many Cubans emigrate to the United States in search of better life opportunities, access to quality basic services such as education and healthcare, and to escape economic hardship and a lack of freedoms in Cuba. The pursuit of a better future for themselves and their families is a common motivation among Cuban emigrants.
What are the main differences between the healthcare systems of the United States and Cuba according to the experiences of immigrants?
According to testimonies from Cuban emigrants, the healthcare system in the United States provides access to advanced medical treatments and personalized care, which stands in stark contrast to the lack of resources and adequate medical attention in Cuba. In the case of a Cuban mother, her daughter received care in the U.S. that she could not obtain on the island, including home visits to assist with her medical needs.
How does emigration affect Cuban families that remain on the island?
The emigration of family members can be a crucial source of economic support for families in Cuba, as emigrants often send remittances and packages with food and other essential goods. However, it can also create emotional tensions and family conflicts due to the expectations and demands placed on the emigrants.
What challenges do Cubans living abroad face when helping their families in Cuba?
Cubans living abroad face challenges such as criticism for sending aid and the pressure to meet the demands of their family members. Additionally, they must contend with high living costs in their host countries, which makes providing ongoing support to their loved ones in Cuba more difficult.
How do Cubans abroad perceive the impact of their actions on the island?
Many Cubans abroad consider their assistance essential for the well-being of their families in Cuba, despite facing criticism and challenges. Some defend their right to send aid or visit the island, arguing that this does not equate to supporting the regime, but rather fulfilling their family obligations.
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