A Cuban woman living in the United States has become a TikTok sensation after sharing images of her former home in Cuba. The modest and worn-down dwelling sparked a wave of reactions among her followers. In the video titled "My Home in Cuba," viewers see exposed ceilings, cracked walls, makeshift windows, and sparse furnishings. The post, by user @cubanailsacrilic, provoked a range of comments—from those praising her for having a property on the island to others sharing painful experiences of displacement and abandonment.
"At least you had a house. I didn't even have that; I was moving around with my eldest son until I managed to leave Cuba," commented one user. Others, like @Yosdany, wrote, "That one in Cuba is better than a new one in the U.S. because that one is truly yours."
In response to these messages, the Cuban woman released another video showcasing her current home in the United States. In it, she makes her stance clear with the statement: "I'm also building my future here in the United States because this is where I live. I have no plans to return to Cuba, so I need my own place here, even if it takes 30 years to pay off."
In the video description, she adds a straightforward message: "Buy your home in the United States as an investment," reaffirming her decision to settle permanently away from the island.
The Ongoing Debate: Home in Cuba vs. Home in the U.S.
The post further fueled the debate among those who see owning a home in Cuba, no matter how humble, as a form of wealth, and those who prefer to invest in a U.S. property, despite the long-term financial commitment. "That's right, girl. Only someone who settles for having nothing thinks a home in Cuba is better. Good for you and those of us who believe in ourselves," a follower responded to the video featuring her U.S. house.
There were also messages filled with nostalgia upon seeing the images of her Cuban home: "I swear you had beautiful memories there, honey. You never forget where you came from and how far you've reached," wrote a moved user. However, others shared painful recollections: "I had mine for seven years, and every time I arrived, I just cried. This year I sold it, and the suffering ended."
Amid blessings, criticisms, and personal stories, the video highlights a common reality for thousands of Cubans in exile: the contrast between what is left behind and the struggle to build a new life in a foreign land.
FAQs About Cuban Immigrants' Housing Choices
Why do some Cubans prefer to buy homes in the United States?
Many Cubans view purchasing a home in the United States as a solid investment and a way to establish a permanent future in a country where they plan to reside long-term.
What are the challenges of owning a home in Cuba?
Owning a home in Cuba can be challenging due to the deteriorating infrastructure, lack of resources for maintenance, and the complex legal framework surrounding property ownership on the island.