A Cuban in the United States shared a heartfelt reflection on his TikTok account (Marisleydy_en_hialeah) about the realities he faces as a migrant, in a message directed especially at those who still live on the Island and often imagine a perfect life abroad.
"A few times I’ve received messages from Cuba saying, 'You are over there, and there is everything.' And it’s true that there is everything here: food, medicines, cars, opportunities... but there is something that many do not understand: everything has a cost here," she began by saying.
The message, which clarifies that it is not a complaint, is an overview of what it means to start from scratch in a different country, where nothing is free and everything requires sacrifices.
“Here, everything costs and you don't pay just with money; you also pay with your time, with your sacrifice, sometimes even with your very soul. Here, no one will solve anything for you; if you don't work, you don't eat, and if you don't produce, you don't survive,” he stated.
For many migrants, achieving a decent life in the U.S. means exhausting work hours, accumulating debts if payments are not made on time, constant expenses, and a day-to-day existence where every dollar counts.
“The rent doesn’t wait, they cut off your electricity, interest rates go up, and debts pile up if you don’t earn faster than they accumulate. There are weeks when you get paid and just two days later you owe everything, because here too, we live counting every penny, only you count in dollars,” he explained.
One of the most striking aspects of his testimony is how, even in a country where you can have "everything," life can feel empty due to the lack of time to enjoy it or the absence of companionship.
You know what it’s like to live in a country where you have everything, but sometimes you don’t even have time to sit down and enjoy it. Where you can buy what you want, but then you spend the month tightening your belt to avoid running out of gas or having a roof over your head.
The Cuban concludes his reflection with a clear message: “I tell those people: don't idealize the life on this side, don't think that just because someone lives abroad, they are already a millionaire.”
His message has resonated with many other migrants who see themselves reflected in his words. While they acknowledge the opportunities that the U.S. offers, they also agree that the cost to be paid goes far beyond money: it is emotional, physical, and even spiritual.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lives of Cubans Abroad and Their Challenges
What are the main difficulties faced by Cubans in the United States?
Cubans in the United States face significant economic challenges, such as long work hours, the high cost of living, and the pressure to send money to their relatives in Cuba. Moreover, many must adapt to a new culture and system, which can cause emotional and physical stress. The sacrifice of personal time is another difficulty that stands out in their testimonies.
Why do some Cubans abroad caution against idealizing life outside of Cuba?
Some Cubans abroad warn that life outside of Cuba is not as easy as it might seem, as although there are greater opportunities and access to goods, everything comes with a very high economic and personal cost. The need to work hard to survive and the constant debts are aspects that are not always taken into account from the island.
What emotional impact do the expectations of relatives in Cuba have on emigrants?
The expectations of families in Cuba can create a significant emotional burden on emigrants, who often feel they must fulfill the obligation to send money and resources, despite their own economic hardships. This pressure can lead to feelings of guilt and emotional isolation, especially when the effort required to live abroad is not acknowledged.
How is the work reality of Cubans in the United States reflected in their quality of life?
The work reality of Cubans in the United States significantly affects their quality of life, as many have to work long hours in jobs that do not always align with their skills or expectations. This situation, combined with the high cost of living, can limit their ability to enjoy leisure time and complicates the maintenance of a balance between work and personal life.
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