Cuban native Daiana Díaz (@mihogaractivo) recently shared an emotional video on TikTok celebrating the second anniversary of her arrival in the United States. Her journey was a challenging one, undertaken with her two young daughters in tow. Using the hashtag #Memories, the post elicited a wave of empathetic and supportive reactions.
"It's been exactly two years since I came to this country, leaving behind my mom, dad, and my aunt who is like a grandmother to me, along with many loved ones, my culture, and my roots," Díaz voices in the video. "Those days were tough, and there were moments I thought I wouldn't make it. We all want to arrive, but we don't always foresee the potential consequences," she reflects.
Crossing the Rio Grande
Díaz recounts her harrowing experience of crossing the Rio Grande with water up to her chest, accompanied by her two young daughters. "It's truly a significant sacrifice, all because living in my country was no longer an option," she explains. Her aim was to reunite with her husband, who had arrived in the U.S. a month earlier. "Fortunately, it ended well, and today we can share in the joys of this country, which is what matters most," she adds.
Critique of Cuba's Opportunities
In her reflection, Díaz offers a candid critique of the limited opportunities in Cuba, asserting, "I'm absolutely sure my daughters wouldn't have the future they can achieve here, where they can study and become professionals. In my country, even if you study, you don't have the chance to practice your profession effectively."
The video spurred an outpouring of emotional responses. One user commented, "You reminded me of those difficult days, fighting to get here with a broken heart." Another wrote, "You chose the best day; the Virgin looked after all of you." A follower named maría.yisabel shared, "I arrived 50 years ago and am forever grateful to this country that welcomed me, where my children were born and grew up to be good men."
Documenting the Immigrant Experience
The post features images capturing key moments in Díaz's story: the migration journey, her reunion with her husband, and current scenes of family life. She has chronicled other stages of her migration process, such as celebrating the purchase of her first truck and starting a small family business with her husband, proudly recalling her beginnings as a housekeeper.
In another account, Díaz compared her work experiences in Florida and Missouri, noting that while finding a job was challenging in the former, in the latter, she secured employment on her first day, and her husband earned up to $230 daily driving for Uber.
Community and Challenges
Díaz has also reflected on the struggles faced during the early years as a migrant, emphasizing that not everyone has the same luck: "Not everyone has the same fortune. Sometimes we can't comment because each person's fate is different." In one of her most viral videos, she defended the solidarity and support within the Cuban community in the U.S., stating, "A true Cuban knows what it's like in Cuba because you have to live it to understand it."
The latest video reignited that collective sentiment. Comments such as "You're a warrior," "The sacrifice is worth it," and "Many blessings for all you've achieved" echo among the responses. One user shared, "I left everything behind, my mom and my children, but with God's help, I'll see them again." Another added, "That's exactly it, the sacrifices and risks we took were numerous."
Insights on Cuban Immigration to the U.S.
What challenges did Daiana Díaz face while migrating to the U.S.?
Daiana Díaz faced numerous challenges, including crossing the Rio Grande with her two young daughters and leaving behind her family and cultural roots in Cuba.
Why did Daiana Díaz decide to leave Cuba?
She left Cuba due to the lack of opportunities and the desire for a better future for her daughters, where they could study and become professionals.
How did the community react to Daiana's story?
The community showed immense support and empathy, with many users sharing their own migration stories and expressing gratitude for the opportunities in the U.S.