Cuban content creator Karen Hernández, known on social media as @elixir_karen1994, sparked debate among TikTok users by sharing a video in which she criticizes the decision of some Cubans living in the United States who plan to move to Spain.
In the video, Hernández states that he feels "pain" seeing compatriots "get into that adventure," and warns about what he considers the disadvantages of life in the European country.
"I came across a Cuban who idolizes Spain and is going to jeopardize his future and that of his family by emigrating from the United States to Spain. And these were the three things I told him because it pains me to see people getting into this adventure," he commented at the beginning of the video.
The influencer, who resides in Miami, listed several aspects that, according to her experience or perception, could represent a setback for those who decide to move from the United States to Spain.
"I explained to him that he needed to forget the comfort of going down from his house and taking the car to do what he wanted, because in Spain they even dictate which car you have to drive. You are practically obliged to use electric and modern cars, things that are not so easy to buy over there," he expressed.
Additionally, he made light of the European lifestyle and the cultural differences that, in his opinion, complicate the adaptation of Cubans:
"In Spain, the car you will have is going to be a shopping cart, those little wheels that you drag. Second, I told him that he will look like a little mouse hiding in a hole because he won't adapt to the climate and will get a lot of wrinkles because the weather is super dry."
Karen also shared her thoughts on the communication between Cubans and Spaniards:
"You won't be able to understand any Spaniard. Their humor is nothing like ours. It's likely they will speak up and feel offended. We are always straightforward, while they tend to be vague to get their way."
The Cuban woman warned about issues such as security and housing rental, and added:
"Don't be surprised if they pickpocket you in any city, because it's normal. There is crime in Spain too. And they won't rent to you anywhere because the issue of squatters is getting worse every day. To rent an apartment, you have to provide so much documentation. In many places, they don't want children, dogs, or families; they practically want hermits."
Finally, the content creator spoke about the Spanish tax system:
"If you're going from the United States to Spain, you probably have your money. And what do you think? Do you think they will take care of it in Spain? No, my love. Every year, you will have to file a tax return, and they will take a portion of it without having lifted a finger to contribute."
"That's not to mention that if you mix your account here with the account there, making transfers and you own both, you will have to pay taxes on both: the account in the United States and the account in Spain. So think about it, Spain is not the paradise you believe it to be," he concluded.
Hernández's statements have divided opinions on social media. While some users agreed with her analysis, others accused her of exaggerating and speaking without fully understanding the Spanish reality.
His video reflects an increasingly common debate among Cuban emigrants: where is it better to live, in the United States or in Europe? A conversation that, beyond personal opinions, continues to showcase the diversity of experiences and expectations within the Cuban diaspora.
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