A Cuban who returned to the island after living in the United States shared a new video on TikTok in which she is renovating her home and defending her decision to come back to the country to reunite with her family.
“I am very happy to have come to Cuba, to be with my daughter, with my family, ridiculously happy, and I know I will not regret it,” says the young woman in the recording published by user @sailin751, where she is seen with several people working on the repair of her house.
In the video, which has garnered thousands of views, the woman also responds to those who have criticized her for returning to the country. “For those people who are out there saying that I’m going to starve, no, they are mistaken. When you are a fighter and an entrepreneur, you thrive no matter where you are,” she asserts. Additionally, she expresses gratitude to God for giving her the opportunity to prepare herself during her time abroad: “I give infinite thanks to Jehovah for all the blessings He has given me, and for the fact that I could prepare here in Cuba, and that I knew how to take advantage of the opportunities in the United States to work to the fullest. So, blessings to all those who wish me ill; may God shower them with blessings. Amen.”
In August 2025, the same user had published another video announcing her return from the United States, explaining that she was doing so “for her daughter, who is her priority.” At that time, she expressed her gratitude to the North American country, but was convinced that her happiness was with her family.
The most recent images show the woman sweeping rubble in front of her home while several men work on the outer wall. She wrote on the video: “Here in Cuba renovating my little house, let me know if you want to see more videos.”
The content has reignited the debate among users, with mixed opinions about the decision to return. Some messages express support and empathy. One person commented that "everyone should be where they feel best," another noted that "hardworking people do well anywhere," and another pointed out that "the greatest wealth is family, your daughter."
Other reactions question the return and living conditions on the island. “What will happen when you run out of money?” wrote one user, while another remarked, “You should also fix the houses of your neighbors,” and a third added, “No one is starving, but it’s very hard to get by.”
Among the more thoughtful comments, some internet users defended the idea that returning does not mean going backward, but rather seeking emotional well-being. One of the most shared messages states: “Returning to the homeland is neither going backward nor failing. It is a conscious decision. It takes courage to admit that not everything abroad is success, that money without peace does not fulfill, and that distance can also wear out the soul.”
The video and the reactions reflect a common discussion among Cubans both inside and outside the country regarding the meaning of success and the sense of belonging. While many emigrants value the opportunities abroad, others—like the young protagonist—prioritize being close to their family and the possibility of rebuilding a life in their place of origin, despite the limitations of the Cuban context.
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