Cuban Expat in Mexico Shares Tips for Migrants: "Ensure Your Own Well-Being Before Supporting Family"

A Cuban woman residing in Mexico has gained viral attention on TikTok after sharing a video where she outlines six essential tips for fellow migrants striving to adapt to life away from Cuba. Her candid and personal testimony has sparked a wave of reactions, both supportive and critical.

In the video, the Cuban woman known as @calderinjenni offers advice drawn from her own experiences adjusting to life in Mexico. She emphasizes the importance of setting tangible goals, such as purchasing a bed, a pot, or a refrigerator—small but meaningful targets that provided her with motivation. She also advises being a diligent worker, valuing one's job, making an effort, and maintaining honesty, as these traits can open doors and offer stability.

Practical Advice for New Beginnings

Another piece of her guidance includes setting achievable savings goals, which she believes boosts self-esteem and provides security. She stresses the significance of prioritizing personal well-being before sending financial support to family back in Cuba, to avoid falling into dependency or vulnerability.

She urges migrants not to succumb to depression or the unrealistic expectations many have before leaving Cuba. Instead, she advocates for following one's own path, as what works for one person might not suit another. Her words, rich in sincerity and common sense, have resonated with many undergoing similar migration challenges. “When you achieve what you desire... the satisfaction is unparalleled,” she states in the video, which has garnered thousands of views.

Mixed Reactions to Her Story

The responses were swift and varied. Many Mexican users welcomed her, applauding her maturity, resilience, and mindset. Some even publicly congratulated her, offered job assistance, or simply wished her success. Others were moved by her journey, especially those who have also migrated or understand the sacrifices of starting afresh in a different country.

Conversely, there were critical or sarcastic remarks, with comments like “When are you going back?” or questions challenging her presence in Mexico. Some suggested she should "contribute to Mexican society," while others expressed xenophobic sentiments with comments like “another Cuban” or “close the southern border.” Additionally, there were comments with personal or romantic undertones, marriage proposals, and insinuations, showcasing the diverse reactions such content generates online.

Broader Context of Cuban Migration

This testimony adds to a series of recent stories highlighting the complexity of the Cuban migration process in Mexico. Another young Cuban, Gley, recently recounted her arduous journey from Cuba to Tapachula, passing through Nicaragua and Central America. With her Mexican husband's support, she managed to settle down and legalize her status, receiving thousands of supportive messages on TikTok.

Maryfra, another Cuban in Quintana Roo, publicly responded to those urging her to return to Cuba, sparking a broad debate on migrant integration. Meanwhile, content creator Michel Crónicas has released several videos comparing life in Mexico with the scarcity and hardship faced in Cuba, reflecting on the stark contrasts between the two realities. Elizabeth's viral story also highlights that her first personal purchase with her own money occurred in Mexico, not in her homeland.

These narratives underscore a migration journey driven by the pursuit of dignity, economic stability, and freedom. Away from official promises, many Cubans find outside their country the conditions that allow them to envision a future. Despite ongoing criticism and xenophobia, the support from much of Mexican society and the determination of those striving to move forward reinforce their decision to not look back.