The Cuban user known as La Glamurosa shared a personal testimony on TikTok about the period when she lived without documents in Italy. She has been in the country for 15 years now, but during the first nine, she faced extreme difficulties as an undocumented migrant.
Over time, she managed to regularize her immigration status: “After nine long years in this country, I finally had my papers, and I began to dream.” Today, she claims to have an online business and feels proud of the journey she has taken. “Today marks 15 years that I have lived in this country (...) I have what’s mine.”
The video, specifically aimed at other Cuban women going through similar situations, includes an uplifting message: "This video is for you. If I could do it, you can too. Give time some time, don't let yourself get down, fight, fight for yourself."
The post triggered a wave of responses from Cuban women living in Italy who felt a connection to it. "I’m also Cuban in Italy... what I’ve been through is sad. Thank God I have my children with me and little by little I’m managing to move forward," wrote one user. Another commented: "What many of us have had to go through is very tough (...) I spent almost 10 years without documents, unable to see my mother again."
Some questioned the immigration conditions in Italy: “In what country is that, nine years without documents in Italy? And why?” La Glamurosa responded that it was difficult, but she eventually succeeded.
Others took the opportunity to share their own stories. “I’ve been here for six months and still nothing on my residency,” “I was here for four years, and you realize that the years go by and you lose your dreams,” “My daughter was in Spain for 12 years and away from me; we suffered a lot.” The testimonies also served as encouragement for women from other nationalities, like a Venezuelan who wrote: “I’m not Cuban, but I came for a dream. God bless everyone going through their process.”
This account adds to a series of testimonies that have emerged on social media from Cuban migrants in Italy, mostly women, who share their experiences of struggle, uprooting, and survival far from their homeland.
Among those stories, one stands out: a young Cuban who portrayed her mother's loneliness upon arriving in the country without speaking the language, creating a powerful emotional impact among users.
The message from a Cuban woman who stated that to survive in Europe, one must "build an armor" has also resonated, receiving widespread support from women facing similar situations.
Other experiences reflect the everyday life of migrant work, such as that of a 69-year-old veterinarian who cleans floors in Italy to survive, accompanied by his daughter, who also shares her experiences on social media.
In that same vein, a Cuban woman has encouraged other women to learn to drive as a means of independence, warning about the everyday risks in traffic and highlighting personal empowerment as a necessity for adapting to life abroad.
The testimonials shared on TikTok reveal a network of experiences where uprooting, legal challenges, and daily struggles intertwine with hope and the ability to adapt. In the words of La Glamurosa: “We Cubans are the best.”
Frequently asked questions about the story of a Cuban migrant's journey in Italy
How did La Glamurosa manage to regularize her immigration status in Italy?
The Glamorous one managed to regularize her immigration status in Italy after nine years facing difficulties as an undocumented migrant. During that time, she endured extreme situations such as eviction, hunger, and depression, but with perseverance, she finally obtained her documents and began to build a better future.
What message does La Glamurosa want to convey to other Cuban migrants in Italy?
La Glamurosa sends a message of hope and motivation to other Cuban women going through similar situations, sharing that "if I could, you can". She encourages them not to get discouraged and to fight for their dreams, highlighting the importance of giving time to time to overcome adversities.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in Italy according to the shared testimonies?
Cuban migrants in Italy face challenges such as lack of documentation, uprootedness, and legal difficulties. Many share experiences of living undocumented for years, which prevents them from returning to their home country or achieving stability. Despite these hardships, the testimonies also reflect the strength and adaptability of those seeking a better future abroad.
How has the story of La Glamurosa influenced other migrant women?
The story of La Glamurosa has served as inspiration and empowerment for other migrant women, not just Cubans, but from various nationalities. Her testimony highlights the importance of resilience and personal struggle, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome adversities and achieve dreams despite initial difficulties.
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