When Valery Bujato arrived in the United States, she heard many warnings about what relationships among immigrants could be like. In her viral TikTok video (@valerybujato), she shared that at first, she didn't believe those words. "I was told a lot about these kinds of people when I was entering the country, but I didn't believe it. I always believed in good faith, in goodwill, and that human beings are good."
However, over time and after various experiences, that idea began to make sense. "When you arrive in this country, you are confronted with a completely different reality, and you realize that evil exists, that resentment exists, that envy exists, and that there are people who offer you a hand, but what they really want is to take advantage of you and then throw it back in your face."
Valery recalled what they used to tell him back then: "No one will want to see you succeed; people always want to see you beneath them, no one will want to see you surpass them." At the time, these words seemed impossible to him. "I thought this was a lie. I would say: no, how could you think that? That person is really nice, that person wants to support me, that person wants to help me, that person wants to open doors for me."
But then he faced a reality he described with concrete examples: "Surely it has happened to you that you needed a certificate, that you needed a permit, and that person you trust has the contact and comes up with a thousand excuses to never give it to you; or you've shared a business idea or a venture you want to pursue with that person, and they’ve likely told you that it can't be done here."
Despite everything, his reflection does not seek to discourage, but rather to motivate others to stay strong and keep moving forward. "Don't get discouraged, don't stop believing, don't stop trusting, and don't take things personally. The sun shines for everyone; everyone has their moment, some later, some earlier." He concluded with a powerful message: "Don't lose your humility, don't lose that sense of helping others. Support other people; remember that the greatest reward comes from above."
His video, which has already received over 18,000 "likes" and more than 1,200 comments, has sparked a debate about the challenges faced by migrants and the lack of support among individuals within the same community.
In the comments, many shared similar experiences. One user expressed: "Here it's about rank; those who have been here for 20 years think they're in charge and will never want you to surpass them." Another person confessed: "The first two years are really tough because you still have a pure heart; after that, you become tough, and you have to be that way even with yourself."
Others shared episodes of betrayal and distrust: "My own daughter and her husband threw me out of their apartment... but here I am with God, who is infinite"; while someone reflected: "Malice, selfishness, many forget how they came, they forget how hard it was for them. I don't understand why there are people like that."
However, there were also those who conveyed a positive message. One comment stood out: "Thank God I have been lucky; people have helped me, and I have helped others. I don't think anyone can surpass me, and I haven't felt that from others towards me."
Valery Bujato's testimony has not only generated empathy but has also inspired many to reflect on their own attitudes. As she said in her video: "Life takes many turns, and what you give is also what you receive."
Frequently asked questions about the experiences of Latino immigrants in the United States
What are the main challenges faced by Latino immigrants upon arriving in the United States?
Latino immigrants face challenges such as cultural and labor adaptation, language barriers, and lack of community support. Distrust among compatriots and unrealistic expectations about life in the U.S. are also significant obstacles.
Why is it difficult to find support among fellow countrymen upon arriving in the U.S.?
Distrust among compatriots is common due to experiences of betrayal and competition. Many immigrants feel they must protect themselves, making it difficult to establish support networks within the same community.
How can Latino immigrants manage the expectations of their family members in their countries of origin?
To manage expectations, it is crucial to maintain honest communication about the financial situation and the challenges being faced. This helps to adjust expectations and relieve the pressure on immigrants to send money regularly.
What advice is offered for achieving success as an immigrant in the United States?
It is recommended to maintain a positive mindset, learn English, and adapt to the cultural and work environment. Perseverance and the development of in-demand skills are key to success in the U.S.
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