A man identified on social media as Tuti Br asserted that, in the current context, Brazil is the best option for Cubans wishing to emigrate, ahead of destinations like Europe, the United States, and even Uruguay.
In a reel posted on Facebook, the man shared his personal views on the available migration alternatives and argued that the South American country offers practical advantages for those seeking to leave Cuba and start anew elsewhere.
“Look, right now the best option for Cubans is Brazil, forget about it. Regardless of whether you like it or not,” he asserted at the beginning of his speech.
According to the explanation, many people still mention Europe or the United States as ideal destinations, but in his view, the main problem lies in the actual difficulty of reaching those places at the present time.
"People say, 'No, Europe, no, the United States, yes, I don't know what.' And how do you get to Europe? How do you get to the United States at this moment?" he questioned.
The Cuban acknowledged that Uruguay also represents an option, but noted that it is a smaller country, where the presence of Cuban migrants is more visible and, as a result, may generate greater difficulties.
In his view, this increased visibility could have a negative impact due to the presence of xenophobic attitudes, although he also clarified that he sees positive aspects in that destination.
“Xenophobia exists everywhere, but in such a small country, where we are so noticeable, that can be harmful in some way,” he noted.
At the same time, he admitted that Uruguay has favorable elements for Cubans, particularly regarding immigration procedures.
"Regarding the issue of papers and those matters, I believe that a law was recently approved that benefits Cubans who are there," he commented.
Still, he insisted that his preference remains with Brazil, a country he described as relatively accessible for Cubans.
Among the reasons he provided, he first mentioned the comparative ease of entering the country and obtaining documents that allow one to work and live there, although he clarified that he was not necessarily referring to permanent residency.
He later added that, compared to other destinations, it is faster to obtain work and residency documents in Brazil.
Another of his arguments was the potential need for labor in Brazil if changes in the workday are successful, something that, in his opinion, could create more opportunities for immigrant workers.
“Brazil will need more workers”, he stated, considering that sectors such as markets, large factories, and other workplaces may be compelled to hire more people.
For the author of the video, that scenario could facilitate the arrival of more Cuban migrants seeking opportunities.
The Cuban concluded his reflection by emphasizing that it was a personal opinion and left the door open for debate with other social media users.
"Well, that's my opinion, but if you have a different one, you're welcome to share it here as well. Regards and blessings," he concluded.
Many Cubans, after Donald Trump established a stringent immigration policy, have pointed to Brazil as a new destination.
One of the most recent testimonials is from Luis Enrique Zayas Marrero, a Cuban resident in Curitiba who revealed in October the conditions in which he lives and works in Brazil.
With a gross salary of 1,790 reais per month under a formal contract, he explained that he must carefully organize his expenses while providing financial support to his family members in Cuba.
"It's just me here in Brazil, helping my family back in Cuba, and in the very near future, next year, I want to bring my family out of Cuba as well," he expressed.
A different perspective was offered by Alicia Laporte, a Cuban who documented how she is building her own house in Brazil with her partner, after emigrating with the aim of improving her living conditions.
"I came to this country to grow, to transform my life, not to stand on the corner complaining," said the young woman, who showcased the process of building her home with her own hands.
However, another Cuban known on TikTok as Anita shared a considerably more difficult experience.
The woman recounted that she and her husband sold their house, a motorcycle, and a business in Cuba to immigrate after receiving information about the opportunities to settle in Brazil.
"We sold everything to come here, everything, because they painted a perfect life for us here in Brazil: come to Brazil, where you have work, housing, and your life is sorted out," she stated, noting that the reality turned out to be more complicated than expected.
Among the favorable experiences is that of the Camagüeyan Santiago de Posada, who arrived in 2022 and later began to manage a pizzeria in Curitiba.
In statements gathered in a report on the growth of the Cuban community in Brazil, he summarized the increase in arrivals with a phrase: "More people are arriving every day."
Official figures confirm the growth of this migration route. According to the Refuge in Numbers report from the Ministry of Justice of Brazil, Cuban citizens submitted 22,288 applications for refugee status recognition in 2024, a 94.2% increase compared to the previous year.
The trend continued throughout 2025. The Brazilian Intelligence Agency (ABIN) reported that, just in the border state of Roraima, Cubans had submitted more than 18,000 asylum applications between January and November of that year.
The agency also warned about the risks of illicit migrant trafficking networks operating along the routes between Guyana and Brazil, with fees that can reach thousands of dollars per person.
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