A Cuban woman from Morón, Ciego de Ávila, has touched the hearts of thousands of users on TikTok with her life testimony. The video, shared by the profile @510FamosoTV, captures a spontaneous conversation in a supermarket parking lot in the United States, where the woman recounts how she emigrated with no resources and achieved stability in less than two years.
"The day we arrived, we didn’t have a single cent because they only paid for our ticket," she confessed during the interview. After leaving Cuba in 2020, she spent almost three and a half years in Nicaragua, where she faced hardships and political challenges. "I left with the conviction that I wouldn’t return because I really didn’t like the system in my country, nor the needs," she asserted.
A university graduate, she worked in a bookstore for 26 years for a salary of just 368 pesos. Now, at over 55, she celebrates having found opportunities in the United States that she would never have attained on the island. “This is a country of many opportunities, but you have to work and abide by the laws,” she advises newcomers.
One of the most moving moments was when he spoke about faith: "I come from a country where they killed our faith. Since the revolution, there has been a divorce between religion and the political system. I found my faith when I emigrated." Now, he claims that economic stability has allowed him to grow as a person and find inner peace.
The video has generated an avalanche of reactions. The user Mari, who identified herself as his daughter, wrote: “This is my mom. She is not only very educated and intelligent, but also the most determined, humane, and enthusiastic woman I know. You are my light.”
Other comments praise her education, clarity, and humility: “That's how one speaks, madam. You represent me,” “She reminded me of my mother, who came here at 60 and also succeeded,” or “You are the true face of the fighting Cuban.”
This testimony adds to others shared by @510FamosoTV, which has interviewed several Cubans in the U.S. about their migration process and adaptation. In previous posts, many agreed in advising newcomers to work and focus on their personal growth.
An earlier case, also shared by this TikTok profile, featured a woman from Cerro who arrived in the U.S. without any money and now celebrates her stability. “I arrived without money, today I have stability,” she stated at that time.
The story of this woman from Avila reflects the challenges of Cuban migration, but also the possibility of building a new life through hard work, faith, and persistence.
Frequently asked questions about Cuban emigration to the United States and its impact
What motivates Cubans 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 the 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 challenges faced by Cuban immigrants upon arriving in the United States?
Cuban immigrants face multiple challenges upon arriving in the United States, such as job hunting, cultural shock, and the need to adapt to a new language and environment. Work and cultural adaptation is one of the biggest challenges. Furthermore, they must cope with mismatched expectations about life in the U.S., which often do not align with the reality they envisioned in Cuba.
How do differences in job opportunities affect immigrants depending on the state where they settle?
Job opportunities vary significantly between the states of the United States. For example, some users mention that there are jobs in Florida, but the salaries tend to be lower. The location influences the type of employment and the salary that immigrants can expect. This can impact their ability to save and improve their living conditions.
How can Cuban immigrants find support upon arriving in the United States?
Finding support can be a challenge, but many immigrants recommend seeking out networks of fellow nationals and Latin communities for assistance and guidance. Social networks and local communities are valuable resources. It is also important to maintain a humble attitude and be willing to learn new skills and adapt to the work and social environment.
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