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Cuban Shares Why He Left Spain for the U.S.: "It Started to Feel Like Cuba"

Friday, June 20, 2025 by James Rodriguez

A Cuban residing in Miami recently took to social media to explain his reasons for leaving Spain and making the move to the United States. "Spain started to feel like Cuba," he remarked, sparking a heated debate among migrants.

The young man, known as Mr. Marqués, shared his thoughts on TikTok under the handle @mr_marquesss, reflecting on his nearly seven-year stay in Spain before relocating to the U.S. His statement, "Spain started to feel like Cuba," resonated deeply, prompting varied responses from Cubans both in Spain and abroad.

Filmed in Miami, the video details his journey from Cuba to Spain, and eventually to the United States, where he has been living for the past three years. "I have a deep love for Spain," he stated, but noted that he began noticing parallels with the Cuban situation, which compelled him to move once more.

Perceptions and Comparisons

"We Cubans come from the future. What is happening in Spain, we've already experienced," he commented, hinting at future posts that might delve deeper into his reasoning without providing specifics. Although he clarified that he doesn’t intend to offend or make derogatory comparisons, he stressed that certain social and political aspects of Spain reminded him of Cuba's reality. "Some might agree, others might not," he added, encouraging his followers to engage if they wanted more details.

The post garnered numerous comments showcasing the varied opinions of Cubans living abroad. Some fully supported his view: "You're absolutely right from start to finish," one user from Tenerife wrote. Another chimed in: "Leave me here in the U.S., as we Cubans say."

Debating Life in Spain vs. the U.S.

Others defended life in Spain, highlighting its quality of life, security, and public services. "Spain is a well-established democracy. Of course, life is better there," a user countered.

Mr. Marqués actively engaged in the comments, responding to critics and reaffirming his perspective: "Things are happening that remind me of my homeland." The comparison between living in Spain and the United States has become a recurring topic among Cubans on social media, with various content creators sharing their experiences, fueling interest in these discussions.

In May 2024, Cuban chef Dailis Ferrer, known as @recetacubana, explained her reasons for considering a move to the United States, citing political, economic, and social media monetization factors. She also shared why she chose not to relocate, mentioning concerns about gun use, language barriers, safety, and access to the European Union.

Other creators, like @niurki2107, have sparked discussions with reflections on the differences in transportation, food, and culture between the two nations. Additionally, TikTok creator Iser Ramos, under the username @iser.ramos, weighed the pros and cons of both countries, emphasizing cost of living, sense of belonging, labor rights, and immigrant conditions.

Mr. Marqués' reflections contribute to a broader conversation throughout the Cuban diaspora, where migration decisions are influenced by personal experiences, political perceptions, economic aspirations, and evolving realities in both Europe and the United States. While some continue to advocate for life in Spain, others assert that the U.S. offers more opportunities, albeit at a significant cost.

Questions About Cuban Migration Experiences

Why did Mr. Marqués leave Spain for the U.S.?

Mr. Marqués left Spain because he began to notice similarities with Cuba's situation, which prompted him to seek new opportunities in the United States.

What sparked the debate among Cubans regarding his statement?

His remark that "Spain started to feel like Cuba" ignited discussions among Cubans, with opinions divided on whether such comparisons are valid.

How did other Cubans react to his perspective on social media?

Responses varied, with some agreeing with his view, while others defended the advantages of living in Spain, such as its democracy and quality of life.

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