"You're not old, but you can't afford to waste time. Every year matters, every decision propels you forward or holds you back," warns Emilio Frías, director of El Niño y La Verdad. His message has resonated particularly with Cuban newcomers to the U.S., who, like him, are navigating adulthood with hopes of achieving their dreams.
Speaking from Miami Beach, the well-known musician shared a candid reflection aimed at migrants over the age of 35, a growing segment of the current Cuban exodus. His advice, plain and direct, connects with those facing the challenge of starting anew far from home, with responsibilities, children, and the pressing need to find stability.
"It's no longer time to dream; it's time to act," Frías emphasizes. "Your focus must be strategic: work, paperwork, credit, savings, investments."
Frías’ words carry significant weight, not just as an artist succeeding on stage, but as a migrant who has personally experienced the cost of exile. In 2022, his band was censored at the Casa de la Música de Galiano in Havana following the release of his song "Cambio," a socially charged piece addressing forced migration, the pain of leaving everything behind, and the hope for a better future.
"A backpack full of dreams and a present without a past. It's the pain and determination to help those you've left behind," Frías sings in a track many see as a reflection of his journey.
After relocating to Mexico and becoming a father, Frías eventually secured his visa to work in the United States. His first U.S. performance was on February 17, 2024, in San Francisco, marking the start of a new chapter in his artistic and personal life.
This is why his message holds even greater significance: it is spoken from experience, not theory. He doesn't romanticize the path. Instead, he calls for discipline, calculated action, and commitment to oneself and loved ones who rely on this reinvention.
"If you have children, this country can be the greatest gift you give them. But they need to see you stable, focused, and determined. You are their example," he points out.
The post has been praised for its inspiring yet realistic tone. Unlike empty triumphalism, Emilio Frías delivers an urgent call: don't improvise, don't waste time, and don't remain stuck. If you’ve arrived in the U.S. and are over 35, your moment is now.
Key Insights for Cuban Migrants Over 35
What is the main message Emilio Frías conveys to migrants over 35?
Emilio Frías emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and making strategic decisions. He advises focusing on work, legal paperwork, building credit, saving, and investing.
Why does Frías' message carry significant weight?
Frías' message is powerful because it comes from his own experience as a migrant who has faced the challenges of starting over in a new country, not just from theoretical knowledge.
How has Frías' personal journey influenced his advice?
Having been censored and experienced the hardships of migration, Frías speaks from firsthand experience and emphasizes the necessity of discipline and strategic action for success.