"I've made the video three times and erased it three times, because I don't want to use words that people might misinterpret," begins a Cuban woman living in the United States, who has moved thousands of users on TikTok by sharing her current situation.
Yardenis Alfonso Marrero (@yardenis.alfonso2), who immigrated from Cuba and has been in the United States for almost a year, is now facing the challenge of applying for residency, but he has not managed to gather the necessary funds. “Many days ago, I told you that I have little time left... next month I need to apply for residency,” he explains in the video. “We haven’t been able to raise the money due to life's circumstances, due to financial issues... we just recently finished paying off the debt from the journey.”
Your request is not economic or material, but communal. “I don’t need anyone to give me anything; I have two hands and two feet. I just need you to share my videos, to like them, to interact with them,” he expresses. “Every time you see one of my videos, share it. That helps me.”
The Cuban woman clarifies that this is not about asking without putting in the effort: “I don’t want people to think that I’m using my social media to ask for things. I work; I get up at 5 in the morning to edit, create content, review my social media, then I go to work and come back in the afternoon. That’s my life every day.”
Her goal is clear: to boost the visibility of her posts to increase the chances of monetization through product sales that she promotes. “When you share my video, TikTok detects that it’s engaging and shows it to more people,” she explains. “That way, I have the chance for someone to purchase the product, and with that, I can gather the money I need to apply for residency.”
The community responded immediately and powerfully. Hundreds of messages of encouragement, solidarity, and faith flooded the comments. “I’ve already shared this and will share all that I see, hugs,” wrote one follower. “Your video touched me deeply, but don’t worry, God is great and you will solve your problem,” said another.
Several messages encourage her with phrases like: “Trust in God and cry out, He will respond to you”; “You can do it, you will achieve it”; “Don’t worry, everything will be resolved, you are not alone”; “Cheer up, warrior, keep going, you will see that it is possible”; or “Don’t feel ashamed, we are here to support you.”
There were those who offered practical solutions or useful information: “You can apply for low-income assistance,” “Seek help at Lutheran offices or churches; they provide free advice,” or “Use interest-free credit cards to manage your expenses.”
Among the most touching messages are shared experiences from other migrants: “I’m going through the same thing; I haven’t been able to pay the debt, and I have to apply for the 21,” confessed one user. Another commented, “I spent 10 months in Mexico; I arrived with debts and without a job, but I made it, and you can too.”
It is not the first time that Alfonso Marrero has gone viral due to his entrepreneurial spirit. Last October, he shared how he started to set up his cleaning business in Arizona with a minimal investment and a lot of determination: “You have to start with the basics, with what you can, and look for clients,” he said at that time.
In that video, she demonstrated how she used part of the government aid to buy gloves, brushes, sponges, and a low-cost vacuum cleaner, with the aim of generating her own income. Her message was clear: "We can all find ways to make money."
Now, just weeks away from a critical date for his immigration status, he addresses his community again: “Don’t feel sorry for me, just support me. I’m not asking for charity; I just need interaction on my videos so I can keep working and reach my goal.”
Yardenis' story is a testament to struggle, perseverance, and dignity amid the challenges faced by many Cuban migrants in the United States. Her voice, amplified through social media, is now a symbol of how digital solidarity can also make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experience of Cuban Migrants in the United States
How does Yardenis Alfonso Marrero seek support for his residency in the U.S.?
Yardenis Alfonso Marrero seeks support through interaction in his TikTok videos, which would allow him to increase the visibility of his posts and potentially monetize through the sale of products he promotes. He does not request direct financial assistance; rather, he asks his community to share his videos to enhance their reach.
What is the main challenge that Cuban migrants face when they arrive in the United States?
The main challenge is to adapt to a new economic and social reality, where the expectations of immediate success confront financial and cultural difficulties. Many migrants arrive with significant debts due to the cost of the journey and then must find ways to support themselves while helping their families in Cuba.
Why do some Cuban migrants feel pressured to support their families on the island?
Many migrants feel that the expectation of sending money or resources to their families in Cuba has become an emotional and financial burden. The pressure comes both from the real need on the island and the perception that those abroad have a more comfortable life.
How can Cuban migrants in the U.S. manage the expectations of their relatives in Cuba?
To manage these expectations, migrants can establish clear boundaries regarding what they can offer, openly communicate their own needs and challenges, and seek out community or institutional assistance that can alleviate some of the economic and emotional burden.
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