A Cuban woman in Spain has sparked a heated debate on TikTok after posting a video where she openly criticizes the constant requests for money from family and friends on the island. In a straightforward tone, this Cuban highlighted the reality of being an emigrant.
"Do people think that money just falls from the sky when they ask you for 100€, 150€, or 50€? I believe they do," begins Chanel, the young content creator who identifies herself on TikTok as @chanel.165.
In his message, primarily addressed to family members writing to him from Cuba, he regrets: "They tell you: 'you can send me 100€, recharge my phone, you can, you can, you can'... without knowing the sacrifice one has to make here, not to earn 50€, but to earn 5€!"
The TikToker emphasizes that many of those people do not understand the physical and mental effort involved in working abroad. "Here, the immigrant works... if they’re not cleaning in a hotel, they’re cleaning houses; if not, they care for an elderly person; if not, they work in hospitality; or the men, rather the men, work in the fields. And many women do this as well," she explained.
He also referred to the workplace mistreatment that many often have to endure: "You have to put up with a load of burdens from the very owners of the business, from the employers... what you really want to do is run away or send them far away. But you take a deep breath and say: ‘No, because here is my salary, the money for my children’."
Chanel emphasized that often those who ask for help are the ones who did the least for her when she lived on the island:
“They get upset if you say you can't help. You're the worst person. And the nicest part is that the people who ask are the ones who did the least for you when you were in your country.”
Reactions on TikTok: "All that glitters is not gold."
The video has generated multiple supportive reactions from emigrated Cubans who identify with his experience. "Given how hard it is to earn money, it's not easy. They don't understand," wrote one user. Another commented, "That's exactly right."
A user living in France shared: “Almost all of us have been in that situation. Here in France, the game isn’t that easy. I have worked in construction here for many years. All that glitters is not gold.”
Someone else expressed gratitude for not being in that situation: "Thank God my daughters don't ask for anything, but that's the harsh reality. It's not easy. Blessings to you, beautiful."
Other internet users agreed that many relatives only reach out to ask for money: “I wanted a little money and was going to ask you. Now I see this and I thought: I’m screwed.” There were also sarcastic comments: “Over there, they think money falls from the sky. Especially the clients… one has to put up with nonsense every day.”
An increasingly visible issue on social media
Chanel's testimony adds to a growing series of reflections shared by Cubans in the diaspora, who from different parts of the world have expressed on social media their frustration over the economic pressure they feel from family members on the island.
In April 2024, Yenny González, a young woman in Miami, reported feeling exploited by her own relatives: “They don’t let you get ahead, it’s everyone on top of you,” she said. She assured that some people in Cuba act hypocritically: they ask for money claiming to be hungry and then show up with “30 boxes of cigars and on Saturday at the nightclub.” “I became Cuba's slave,” she lamented.
A similar stance was expressed by Leonella, another Cuban living abroad, who stated that she feels hurt because her relatives only reach out when they need something. "They only call you when they need something and forget that you also have a daughter, children, family, work, and bills to pay," she asserted. Furthermore, she denounced the lack of gratitude: "I send them money, and they want more. They don’t appreciate anything at all."
From Spain, Kuki Acea brought the topic into the realm of humor. In a viral video, he ironically portrayed the avalanche of requests he receives every time he plans a trip to Cuba. "They tell me to bring sneakers, hair extensions, phones, medications, and even mosquito repellent for the one that's biting you," he joked. Although satirical, his message reflected a situation widely shared by emigrants: the constant expectation to address the needs of those who remain on the island from abroad.
Even from Cuba, critical voices have emerged regarding this dynamic. Azúcar de Cuba, a content creator living on the island, published a reflection in which she questioned the distorted view that many Cubans have of life outside the country. “Cubans living in Cuba still have the mentality that everyone in the United States has money, that you can just kick and out come 100 dollars,” she stated. She also blamed the emigrants themselves who “speculate” and present a luxurious lifestyle that does not match reality.
The other side of the debate: helping as a personal commitment
In response to these claims, other Cubans abroad have defended their decision to continue supporting their loved ones on the island, despite the economic sacrifice it entails. For them, it is not about obligation or pressure, but rather about emotional commitment.
The TikToker @arguelles364 called for empathy towards Cubans still living in the country. In his video titled “Cuba Hurts,” he expressed: “It doesn’t matter what the world says... help your family. They are living a life without a future.” He acknowledged that many emigrants feel overwhelmed, but urged not to forget those who suffer the most within the island.
Also @cindyforte, from the United States, showed how she organizes bags with food that she sends each month to her mother and her nephew. "How could I not do it, if I have the most important people in my life there," she said. Despite the criticisms from other émigrés, she assured that nothing prevents her from continuing to help: "I will keep fighting tirelessly for you, regardless of the criticism."
In the same vein, @laflak1304, known as La Cubanita Soñadora, passionately responded to those who question emigrants who support their families: “As long as I have these two hands, I will work for them. I send food, clothes, whatever is needed, because my mother, my sister, my family are back there.”
An emotional reflection similar to this was shared by psychologist Carelis Conde, who stated: “I can't sit down at the table to eat without knowing what my mom or dad is having, not just on New Year's Eve, but any day.” For her, supporting family is not a matter of politics or economics: “It’s not about money or politics, it's about blood and feelings.”
This extensive mosaic of testimonies—ranging from exhaustion, demands, empathy, and emotional responsibility—demonstrates that the debate surrounding the sending of remittances is not a superficial issue, but rather a profoundly human reality that divides and permeates the Cuban emigration experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Economic Pressure and Family Expectations in Cuban Emigration
Why do Cuban emigrants feel such economic pressure from their relatives in Cuba?
Cuban emigrants feel economic pressure because their relatives in Cuba often have unrealistic expectations about life abroad, believing that earning money is easy and that emigrants can send remittances regularly without difficulty. This perception is exacerbated by a lack of understanding regarding the sacrifices and work challenges that emigrants face in their new countries of residence.
How does Cuban emigration affect family relationships?
Cuban emigration can create tensions and conflicts within families due to economic expectations and a lack of gratitude. Emigrants often feel compelled to send money and goods, which can be emotionally draining and lead to resentment if they do not feel appreciated or if their efforts are not recognized by their relatives in Cuba.
What challenges do Cubans face when emigrating to Spain?
Cubans who emigrate to Spain face challenges such as finding employment without legal documentation, grappling with the high cost of living, and overcoming cultural and labor barriers. The difficulty of obtaining work and housing without papers is a common issue, which can complicate the integration and economic stability of emigrants.
Why do some Cuban emigrants choose to continue supporting their relatives in Cuba despite the difficulties?
Despite the economic difficulties and lack of appreciation, many Cuban emigrants continue to support their families in Cuba out of a sense of emotional responsibility and personal commitment. For many, supporting their loved ones on the island is an expression of love and loyalty, transcending criticism and personal sacrifice.
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