A Cuban resident in Brazil has put forward a strong response to those claiming on social media that the South American country is not a good place to live. Tired of hearing criticisms from other emigrants, the young woman decided to share her experience and challenge the expectations of those leaving Cuba under the impression that they will quickly become wealthy.
The content creator known on TikTok as @britney.cubanita26 shared a video that has garnered thousands of views, in which she held nothing back when responding to her fellow countrymen.
“Brazil is a bad place to live; that’s what I'm hearing every day on social media,” he started by saying, before making clear his stance on the difficulties of starting over in another country.
"I never came here blind; I always said that when I left Cuba, nothing would be the same as in Cuba," she assured, hinting that emigrating means adapting to a different reality and facing challenges.
However, one of his most powerful statements came when he referred to those who claim to feel deceived by what they had seen on social media before leaving the island.
“You came thinking that in one month, two months, or a year, you would be a millionaire in a country that isn't yours, when you never were in your own.” he stated bluntly.
The Cuban also responded to those who question that many of the emigrants showcasing their lives in Brazil do not represent the average Cuban and request to meet people with fewer resources.
"The poor Cuban on the ground cannot leave Cuba unless a friend or a family member pays for everything," he explained, referencing the economic challenges faced by those who wish to emigrate but lack the necessary means.
His words highlight a reality that affects many Cuban families: finding the money to leave the island can become a enormous sacrifice. A report by Folha de S.Paulo gathered stories of Cubans who sold their homes and belongings to fund their journey to Brazil.
Opinions about life in that country vary widely among Cubans who have emigrated. While some emphasize the opportunities they have found, others openly discuss the economic challenges and difficulties of adapting.
An emigrant described Brazil as "a Cuba, but with light, water, and food." For his part, Dailen Brunet, who had been living there for almost four years, warned about the difficulties of starting a new life in Brazil, stating that during the first few months he couldn't even afford to buy clothes or shoes.
The interest of Cubans in settling in Brazilian territory continues to be high. Between January and September 2026, Cuban citizens submitted more than 33,000 asylum applications in Brazil, making them the national group with the highest number of requests, representing over 59% of the total recorded.
Beyond the differences of opinion regarding the opportunities that Brazil offers, the main character of the video wanted to conclude her reflection with a message directed at her fellow citizens, inviting them to stop attacking each other.
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