The Cuban user @gley.040 moved thousands on TikTok after sharing a video in which she says goodbye to her job at Walmart, especially to her colleagues, after being laid off due to the revocation of her work permit. “We had to leave,” she wrote in the post, where she is seen surrounded by coworkers, fondly reminiscing about her time at the store in Union City, New Jersey.
Gley explained that, like many Cuban migrants, he legally entered the United States through the CBP One program, an application that allows scheduling appointments for entry into the country for humanitarian reasons. Thanks to this process, he obtained a temporary work permit under the C-11 category, valid while his immigration status was being processed. However, that permit was recently revoked by the authorities, leading to his dismissal and that of many others. “We were fired because the work permit we had (C-11) is no longer valid,” he explained in the comments.
The video combines images of the workplace, moments of camaraderie, and a strong emotional impact. With over 7,000 reactions and hundreds of comments, it became a space where Gley responded with clarity and pride to those questioning her situation: “I am proudly Cuban, and soon to be a permanent resident of the United States. Adversities exist wherever we are.”
To those who accused her of exaggerating or being “dramatic,” she responded firmly: “I didn’t leave for drama; I left because they took away our right to work.” And in response to another critique, she was emphatic: “I entered this country legally, fighting for my dreams and working towards them. This is just a process.”
Most of the reactions were supportive. Migrants from different nationalities shared similar experiences and sent messages of encouragement: “Everything will be resolved,” “You are a warrior,” “I went through that too.” Rather than showing defeat, Gley responded with gratitude and optimism.
She also made it clear that her time at Walmart was positive: “I will be grateful to Walmart every day of my life,” she wrote in another comment, defending her experience against those who questioned her attitude.
Beyond the blue uniform, Gley's story resonates with many: work as the first step to starting a life in another country, the bond with colleagues, and the pain of having to pause that journey for reasons beyond one's control. Her farewell was not a complaint, but the emotional closure of an important chapter.
With serenity and firmness, he left a final message: "This is just a process." And with that, he turned a forced exit into a declaration of faith, effort, and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Immigration Situation of Cubans at Walmart
Why was the Cuban Gley fired from Walmart?
The Cuban Gley was fired from Walmart because her work permit under category C-11 was revoked. This was due to changes in immigration policies that affected temporary permits, such as humanitarian parole, used by many Cuban migrants to work legally in the United States.
What is the CBP One program and how does it affect Cuban migrants?
CBP One is an application that allows migrants to schedule appointments for legal entry into the United States for humanitarian reasons. However, the revocation of temporary work permits under this program has left many, including Cubans, in a vulnerable situation and without employment.
What can migrants affected by the revocation of work permits do?
Migrants affected by the revocation of work permits must seek urgent legal advice. It is important to keep your documents updated and explore legal alternatives such as the Cuban Adjustment Act, if applicable.
How has the community responded to the situation of the migrants laid off from Walmart?
The community has responded with support and solidarity towards the migrants laid off from Walmart. There has been an outpouring of comments on social media, where many share similar experiences and offer words of encouragement to those facing these challenges.
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