Lisset Catalina, a Cuban creator on TikTok (@lorenzolisset), opened her heart online and shared in two videos why she decided to emigrate with her family to Uruguay instead of another country. Her story has garnered hundreds of comments on the social network.
"As promised, I am going to tell you why we chose to come to Uruguay and not to another country," she said as she began her story. Lisset explained that she had dreamed of leaving Cuba since she was 16 and recounted her husband's failed attempts to take the family to Sweden and then to the United States.
"In 2018, in August 2018, our son sent us $40 through Western Union (...) and that’s when we picked up the $40 that the boy had sent us (...). A young man parked in front of our house on a motorcycle who had also come from that trip (...) and that’s where our journey to try to come to Uruguay began," he recounted.
After meeting that young man, Lisset insisted on seizing the opportunity. “I told him, ‘this is the moment for the three of us to leave together, the girl, you, and me; if we don't go now, believe me, we'll never leave,’” she said. Ultimately, the family sold what they had and received help for the tickets to Guyana. “I was so happy to know that at 38 years old, I was finally going to manage to leave Cuba; for me, that was... beyond words,” she confessed.
In the second part, shared a few hours ago, she explained the reasons that led her to choose Uruguay: “We went on the computer and searched on Wikipedia, because I’m going to be honest with you, I didn’t know Uruguay, I didn’t even know Uruguay existed.” After researching, they decided on the free healthcare and education, safety, and political stability. “We are going with a 9-year-old girl, we have to find everything that is safer and more peaceful for us, Uruguay is the country,” she assured.
Their story has sparked a wave of reactions, mostly positive, from Uruguayans who welcomed them. “Welcome to our beautiful Uruguay. God bless you,” wrote one user. Another commented, “Uruguay is a country where you feel freedom. You find opportunities.” There were also messages like “How lovely!! Welcome to Uruguay!!” and “What a story of resilience and courage, congratulations... blessings.” Even other migrants related to the experience. “All beginnings are tough; I've been here a short time and still haven’t found a job, but I know everything will get better,” wrote a follower.
This is not Lisset's first viral video about her life in Uruguay. On another occasion, the creator stated that after facing many difficulties, she managed to thrive in the country and affirmed, “I love my Cuba and I hope that one day it will be like it used to be, but for now, my country is Uruguay and I do not plan to emigrate to any other country.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Emigration of Cubans to Uruguay
Why do some Cubans choose to emigrate to Uruguay instead of other countries?
Cubans choose Uruguay for its political stability, security, and free health and education services. Lisset Catalina, a Cuban creator on TikTok, shared her experience of choosing Uruguay after researching the country and highlighting these features, especially when migrating with young children, as in her case. Moreover, the warm reception from Uruguayans and the atmosphere of freedom contribute to this decision.
What are the main challenges that Cubans face when arriving in Uruguay?
The main challenges are finding employment and coping with the high cost of living. Although Uruguay offers stability and security, many migrants face job difficulties upon arrival, and the adjustment process can be complicated. Competition for jobs can be intense, especially in cities like Montevideo, where job opportunities are concentrated.
What is the quality of life like for Cuban migrants in Uruguay?
The quality of life in Uruguay is perceived positively by many Cubans. Despite initial challenges, Cubans appreciate the safety, stability, and the opportunity to work and study legally. Testimonials on social media highlight improvements in everyday aspects such as public transport and access to basic products, which stand in stark contrast to the reality in Cuba.
Why did Lisset Catalina's testimony about her migration to Uruguay go viral?
Lisset Catalina's testimony went viral due to its sincerity and for sharing a story of personal triumph. Her account of the reasons for choosing Uruguay, coupled with the challenges faced in Cuba and the hope for a better future for her family, resonated with many TikTok users, generating empathy and support from both Cubans and Uruguayans.
Filed under:
