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“You are not old, but you can no longer afford to waste time. Every year counts, every decision adds up or holds you back”, warns Emilio Frías, director of El Niño y La Verdad, in a message that has reached especially those recently arrived Cubans in the United States, who, like him, cross the threshold of adulthood carrying the weight of life and the hope of achieving their goals.
From Miami Beach, the popular musician shared a reflection aimed at migrants over 35, a growing group within the current Cuban exodus. His advice, straightforward and unembellished, resonates with those facing the challenge of starting over far from home, with responsibilities, children, and the urgency to stabilize their lives.
“It is no longer time to dream, you are in execution mode”, says Frías. “Your focus has to be strategic: work, paperwork, credit, savings, investments.”
Frías' voice carries a distinct weight: it is not just that of an artist who succeeds on stage, but also that of a migrant who has personally experienced the cost of exile. In 2022, his orchestra was censored at the Casa de la Música de Galiano, Havana, after the premiere of his song "Cambio", a deeply social song that speaks of forced migration, the pain of leaving everything behind, and the longing for a better future.
"A backpack full of dreams and a present without a past. It is pain that drives the effort, to help the one you have left behind", sings Frías in this song that many recognize as a reflection of his experience.
After settling in Mexico and becoming a father to a daughter, Frías finally obtained his visa to work in the United States. His first performance on American soil took place on February 17, 2024, in San Francisco, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new artistic and personal chapter.
That’s why their message resonates even more: it speaks from experience, not theory. It doesn’t romanticize the journey. It calls for discipline, calculated action, and a commitment to oneself and to the loved ones who depend on that reinvention.
“If you have children, this country can be the greatest gift you gave them. But they need to see you stable, focused, determined. You are the example”, he points out.
The publication has been celebrated for its inspiring and realistic tone. Far from empty triumphalism, Emilio Frías issues an urgent call: don’t improvise, don’t waste time, and don’t become paralyzed. If you arrived in the U.S. and are over 35, your moment is now.
Frequently asked questions about Emilio Frías's advice to Cuban migrants in the U.S.
What is Emilio Frías' main advice for Cubans over 35 who are emigrating to the U.S.?
Emilio Frías advises Cuban migrants over the age of 35 to focus on executing their plans and not to waste time. He emphasizes the importance of making strategic decisions in areas such as work, paperwork, credit, savings, and investments to quickly stabilize in their new environment.
Why does Emilio Frías's message have a special impact on Cuban migrants?
Emilio Frías's message resonates because he has gone through the migration process and adapted to a new environment himself. His personal experience, along with his professional success, gives him credibility when he speaks about the discipline and commitment needed to thrive in the United States, far from empty triumphalism.
How is Emilio Frías's story related to the political situation in Cuba?
Emilio Frías has distanced himself from the Cuban regime due to his critical stance and support for the protests on the island. This distancing has influenced his career and led him to move first to Mexico and then to the United States, where he continues his artistic journey and upholds his commitment to the Cuban community in exile.
What is the importance of Emilio Frías's advice for migrant parents in the U.S.?
Frías emphasizes the importance of being a role model for children by demonstrating stability, focus, and determination. He believes that the United States can be the greatest gift for the children of migrants, but he stresses that parents must show through actions their commitment to their own success and that of their family.
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