"I told you to gift me a $20 recharge for my birthday, and you can't even do that." This was the message that greeted Katy González Miranda, a young Cuban woman who has been living in the United States for just a year. What seemed like a simple request turned into a viral response on TikTok, where she decided to share her experience to highlight an issue many Cuban emigrants face in silence.
Through her account, @katygonzalezmiranda, Katy posted a video that has been viewed by thousands. In it, she reveals the message she received from Cuba and responds candidly: "I'm cleaning bathrooms for $13 an hour. I'm not gifting my money to anyone unless it's my mom, dad, or siblings."
Katy further explained that the person who sent the message had been persistently contacting her for two days with dozens of messages. "This person writes to me 20 or 30 times, and some messages have been offensive. They don't even greet me, just demand. I struggle here too," she affirmed.
Life in the U.S.: More Than Just Hard Work
On a Sunday recording, Katy recounted working since 8:00 AM, having gone to bed at 2:00 AM the night before after cooking. "I woke up at 6 because besides working, I study. This is the American dream: living tired, working hard, and pushing forward. Nothing here is handed to you for free."
The video was also shared on her Facebook profile so the person who sent the message could see it. Meanwhile, over a thousand people commented on TikTok, with most supporting her and sharing similar experiences. "Someone asked me for a split as if I owned a store," one user noted. Another woman shared, "I was demanded $100 for a birthday. They don't even ask how I am."
Cuban Emigrants' Struggles and Unappreciated Sacrifices
Many shared stories echoed the same sentiment: the economic pressure from the island and the lack of gratitude in return. "I sent a used phone to a girl, and she complained it was old," a follower recounted. "Here, you work hard, pay rent, food, transport, and on top of that, you have to endure demands from people who don't even call to check if you're okay."
One of the most praised comments came from a Cuban who wrote, "A medical school classmate asked me for a recharge, and when I said she'd have to wait until I got paid, she replied, 'You had nothing in Cuba, and nothing there either?' I responded: 'You have less, asking me,' and I blocked her."
A Message of Respect and Boundaries
Despite her frustration, Katy clarified she is not against helping, but it must come from a place of respect and affection, not demand. "I can go without eating for my parents, but not for someone who doesn't even greet me. Those not working at home have no right to demand from me, who's working hard," she stated.
"Don't give away your money if you don't want to. Help those who deserve it, not those who demand it," she added in the comments, where she thanked the support of many who saw themselves in her story. Many noted their social circles have shrunk since emigrating, precisely because of experiences like this.
"Here, nothing is free. Everything costs sweat," Katy said at the end of the video, which many have dubbed a "necessary vent" for an entire generation of Cubans working hard abroad while bearing the guilt or pressure of having to support those left behind.
Understanding the Cuban Emigrant Experience
Why did Katy González Miranda's response go viral?
Katy's response resonated with many because it highlighted the struggles and pressures Cuban emigrants face, often dealing with demands from their home country while trying to make ends meet abroad.
What challenges do Cuban emigrants face in the U.S.?
Cuban emigrants often face economic pressures, working long hours for modest pay, and dealing with demands from family and friends back home, who may not understand the realities of life in the U.S.
How can emigrants balance helping family and managing their own needs?
Emigrants can balance these pressures by setting clear boundaries, helping out of affection rather than obligation, and communicating their own challenges to family back home.
What message does Katy González Miranda wish to convey?
Katy's message emphasizes the importance of respect and understanding, urging people to help those who genuinely deserve it and not succumb to demands from those who don't appreciate their efforts.