The Cuban influencer Dairon Cano highlighted on TikTok the case of Reiniel López, a Cuban resident in Tampa, Florida, who claims to be going through a tough time and urgently needs a job, as working for Uber and Lyft is no longer sufficient for him to make ends meet.
"I just took a ride with him in an Uber and Lyft, and he told me he’s going through a tough time," Cano explained in the video recorded inside his car. "What’s going on with you, my brother?" he asked the passenger, who responded: “I need a job because Lyft and Uber aren’t making money, and this is bad, really bad. I need a job. I have papers, I have residency, I have everything.”
López said that he starts working at five or six in the morning, but his earnings are not sufficient: "Just over 100, today I’ll mark down 60 pesos."
Cano made a call to the community for assistance: “A strong person, who is eager to work, has their work permit, their residency, their license, has everything. Please, a job here for my brother.” He then asked for Reiniel's contact number and insisted: “He will be attentive to the phone; anyone who calls him and can offer a job, business owners here in Tampa can reach out.”
The case triggered a wave of comments on TikTok. Some offered concrete help, such as contacts in companies or job suggestions: “I can recommend him to work at Staffing Staffmark, they pay $17 in a file storage.” “There are a bunch of Staffing opportunities in Largo, and there's one in Brandon for electrical work that is looking for people.” “There are jobs in construction, they’re paying $2 for the whole package.”
Other users shared their personal experiences: "I live in Orlando, I do Lyft because I don’t have Uber; I was deactivated during the pandemic. From Friday to Monday, I go to the cruises in Cocoa. That's where the money is," "Uber doesn’t give anything. I had to go back to the factory where I make 24 an hour, and my car still has value."
There were also criticisms of the attitude of some drivers: “When they are told they can earn 100 a day, they say no, they prefer Uber,” “Everyone wants to earn 200 a day, and that doesn’t exist if you haven’t studied,” “If they make 60 on Uber, it’s because they want to. They get called for construction work for 100 and don’t go because it’s more comfortable being behind the wheel.”
Others suggested leaving the state of Florida: “Florida is for vacationing, not for working,” “You can't make money here anymore, get out of Tampa,” “Head up to Kentucky, Indiana, or Texas. There you can earn $300 a day without a worry.”
There were also messages of encouragement: "Don't lose faith, keep going," "We are all here fighting," "We must keep moving and not give up."
This is not the first case that Dairon Cano has shared on social media. In June, he showcased the story of a young Cuban with I-220A who managed to open a barbershop in Houston. He also supported a Cuban family in that same city that is struggling to keep their restaurant open, and an entrepreneur in Miami who was a victim of a robbery on the same day she opened her beauty salon.
Other testimonies have included more complex situations, such as that of a Cuban mother pleading for her son detained by ICE, or that of a family who lost everything in a fire in Tampa.
In all cases, Cano has appealed to the empathy and collaboration of the Cuban community in exile to provide support to those facing obstacles on their path to stability in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about Job Searching for Cubans in the United States
Why is the Cuban Reiniel López looking for a job in Tampa?
Reiniel López is looking for a job in Tampa because his income working for Uber and Lyft is not enough to support himself. Despite starting to work early, his earnings are insufficient, and he is actively searching for a job with all his paperwork in order.
How is the community helping Reiniel López?
The community has answered the call for help from influencer Dairon Cano, providing contacts and job opportunities. Some TikTok users have suggested specific jobs, such as working in warehouses or in construction, while others have shared their personal experiences to encourage López to keep searching.
What challenges do Cubans face in the United States when seeking employment?
Cubans in the United States often face difficulties in finding employment due to job competition and language barriers. Additionally, some employers prefer candidates with permanent residency, which limits opportunities for those with temporary immigration status or in the process of regularization.
What role does Dairon Cano play in the Cuban community in exile?
Dairon Cano is a Cuban influencer who uses his social media platforms to highlight the stories of fellow citizens in difficult situations. He has helped many people find employment and support after sharing their stories online, promoting solidarity and collaboration within the Cuban community in exile.
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