A Cuban resident in the United States has sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok after posting a video in which she delivers a strong message to her compatriots who—according to her—do not appreciate the opportunities offered by the country that hosts them. “I wish I had the authority to put them on a raft and send them back”, she states firmly in the video, which has already received hundreds of supportive comments.
The woman, identified as @yilay493, explained that she recorded the video right after leaving the hospital, where she was treated for bronchitis. “They gave me my medications before I left, they didn't let me go without them,” she recounted, emphasizing the medical care she received in the United States. “Here, they treat you like a human being, not like a dog,” she added.
In his message, Yilay criticized the attitude of some newly arrived Cubans who complain about the American system while receiving assistance. “This country opens its doors to us, gives us opportunities, and still there are Cubans who complain every day. In Cuba, they were lazy and lived off their relatives here,” he stated with evident annoyance.
The video, recorded from inside her car, displays the phrase “Everyone should return to Cuba,” reflecting the straightforward and unfiltered tone of her message. The Cuban woman asserted that she has been living in the United States for over three decades and has nothing to thank the Cuban government for: “Because of them, I had to leave my family behind. Here I cherish freedom and the opportunity to live with dignity.”
Reactions on TikTok came quickly. Dozens of users supported her message with phrases such as “I completely agree with you,” “God bless the United States,” or “Finally, a Cuban who speaks the truth”. Others took the opportunity to share similar experiences regarding healthcare and work in the country. However, there were also those who asked her not to generalize and reminded that “not all Cubans live off of those here.”
Despite the criticism, Yilay's video has gone viral within the Cuban community both in and outside of the United States, garnering support from those who share his vision of gratitude towards the North American country. His message, straightforward and unembellished, has reignited the debate about adaptation, work, and gratitude among Cuban emigrants.
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