A Cuban in Italy launches strong criticism at Cubans in the U.S. and sparks controversy online: “That’s why we don’t want them in Europe.”

A Cuban woman in Italy criticizes Cubans in the U.S. on TikTok, highlighting the advantages of living in Europe and reigniting the debate about lifestyle among migrants on both continents.

Cuban in ItalyPhoto © @flacacubanaseformo / TikTok

A Cuban living in Italy has gone viral after sharing a video on her TikTok account in which she delivers harsh criticisms of Cubans residing in the United States and the lifestyle they promote.

"Why don't we want Cubans from the USA in Europe?" the young woman asks at the beginning of the video, while recording herself from a pool on a sunny day.

“They grew tired of talking about how there was no money in Europe, they were fed up with saying that Europe was a wasteland, with the beautiful history it has, especially England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain,” he expresses.

The TikToker defends the living conditions in the Old Continent, arguing that "it's all a paradise on earth." "Here we don't have as much fear as over there of children going missing, people socialize more here, and while we earn less, life costs less," she points out.

The young woman concluded her message with a sharp statement: "For that reason, we don't want you in Europe. That's why I hope everyone has citizenship."

The video, posted on the account @flacacubanaseformo, has generated numerous reactions among Cubans both inside and outside the island, reigniting the debate about the differences in living conditions between emigrants in Europe and the United States.

Debate on the perceptions and realities of Cubans who have emigrated to Europe and the U.S.

Why do some Cubans in Europe criticize Cubans in the U.S.?

The Cuban TikToker in Italy criticizes that Cubans in the U.S. devalue life in Europe, branding it as a place devoid of economic opportunities, while she argues that life in Europe is more peaceful and social. She claims that there is less fear in Europe and that, although one earns less, the cost of living is more affordable.

What differences do Cubans perceive between living in Europe and in the U.S.?

The Cuban in Italy notes that in Europe, life is lived with less fear, there is more social interaction, and life is cheaper, compared to the U.S., where she perceives a more insecure and consumerist environment. These differences have reignited discussions about the realities and perceptions of the lives of Cuban emigrants on both continents.

How do Cubans both inside and outside the island react to these criticisms?

The criticisms from emigrant Cubans have sparked intense debates on social media, with reactions ranging from support to rejection. Some emigrants share their frustrations regarding the misconceptions about life abroad, while others defend their decision to emigrate as a way to support their families in Cuba.

What role do social networks play in the debate about Cuban emigration?

Social media has become a key platform for expressing and debating experiences and perceptions about Cuban emigration. Videos and posts on platforms like TikTok allow Cubans to share their experiences, vent, and challenge idealized narratives about life in Cuba and abroad.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.