"If your mindset is to complain about everything, don't come here": Cuban in Brazil warns emigrants

A young Cuban in Brazil has sparked debate on social media after posting a video in which he issues a warning to those migrating to the South American country without being prepared to face its challenges. The message, shared on TikTok, starts with a blunt statement: “Don’t come to Brazil, believe me, you’ll regret it if you do.”

In a straightforward and candid tone, the young man insists that emigrating to Brazil requires a mindset ready for sacrifice. "Don't come to Brazil if your mindset is to complain about everything when you get here, because you don’t know the language, because you aren't in the job you want," he warned. He also questioned the unrealistic expectations of immediate progress: "Don't come to Brazil if you think you can buy a car in one or two weeks or a month like in the United States."

The Cuban emphasized the initial living conditions that many migrants face, far from the comforts they may have had in Cuba. “Don’t come to Brazil if the first rental you find here doesn’t have the same good conditions as you had in your country, apparently, because everything else with the system is very bad,” he pointed out. He added that those who arrive with the intention of quickly obtaining residency to return to the island are likely to become frustrated: “It’s very difficult to get it quickly to go back to your country.”

In his conclusion, he summarized the spirit of his message with a phrase that has resonated among his followers: “Do not come to Brazil if your desire and ambition is not to move forward, because here it is possible. It may take a little longer for some, shorter for others, but it is indeed possible.”

The video generated dozens of reactions, many of them supportive. "You come to Brazil to work, thank God for Brazil, it welcomed us, and my children are well," wrote a woman. Another Cuban settled in the country commented: "If you're willing to put in the effort, you can buy your little house in two years, buy a car, start your own business... believe me, it's worth it." However, some expressed concerns, advising against emigrating if one is not prepared to adapt: "If you approach it with negativity, you're not going to achieve anything," warned a user.

Voices were also heard that downplayed the experience of the video’s author, pointing out that success or failure abroad depends on many factors. “Brazil is very good if you really go out to work,” said one emigrant. Another remarked, “It’s tough to leave your country and leave behind everything you built to start over, but with sacrifice, it will be worth it.” In contrast, some people reacted with rejection to the criticism and defended their plans to emigrate: “I plan to leave in two months,” commented one internet user.

This testimony adds to a long list of accounts from Cubans in Brazil who have shared their experiences on social media. In last July, a young man identified as Reinol Tiger responded to those who belittled Brazil, saying: “I know Brazil is a third-world country, but they portray it as if we are currently living in the middle of the wilderness.”

On her part, in March of this year, a Cuban shared her distress about the rising cost of living: “With 600 reais I could eat in 2023 here in Brazil. If I spent 800, that was a lot of food. And now I spend 100 dollars a week and practically can’t eat anything”.

There have also been testimonies about the challenges of the healthcare system, such as from a Cuban woman who stated that in the country “diagnoses are made based on what is visible, not on what is studied”, advising migrants to consider getting private health insurance if they can. In a more hopeful tone, the same user touched her followers by sharing how she welcomed her mother at the airport: “Three days ago, I greeted my mother at the airport gates… This is the final journey of a 60-year-old woman who decided to grasp the last hopes she had”.

Other Cuban women have spoken about the obstacles and achievements in the adaptation process. One of them defended herself against those who criticized her for buying a car after two years in the country: “Everyone has their own pace and time. God's timing is perfect”. Another emigrant, who worked as a doctor in Cuba for seven years, compared her previous life with her current one in another testimony: “In my home, I didn't have a washing machine or a refrigerator... Having a rice cooker was an impossible dream”.

There are also those who advocate for the country as a favorable migration destination. “Brazil is the only country in the world that has never closed its doors to immigrants,” said a Cuban in a video where she claimed that “it's very easy to legalize oneself in Brazil if properly guided.”

Although experiences vary, most testimonials agree that emigrating to Brazil does not guarantee immediate success, but it is a real opportunity for those willing to start from scratch and fight. As one of the protagonists of these stories said: "You should never throw in the towel".

Frequently Asked Questions about Emigrating to Brazil for Cubans