A young Cuban woman living on the island has ignited a lively debate on TikTok by posting a video questioning why some emigrants choose to return to live in Cuba. She argues that the reality of life in the country is not as rosy as some influencers portray it. "I'm about to drop a fact, and whoever gets upset, that's on them," begins user @izygamer5, addressing those who come back to the island after living abroad. According to her, many do so to "start a small business with little capital" and avoid the challenges of working in the United States, where "sometimes they can't make ends meet."
The young woman asserts that in Cuba, they can stay for free at relatives' or friends' homes and take advantage of the informal economy. However, she warns that frequent power outages make the situation unsustainable quickly. "When you've been here a month, and there's not even time to charge an ecoflow... what are you going to do when the food runs out?" she asks, highlighting the energy system's collapse and the challenges in preserving food.
She also criticizes those returning with the intention of "showing off" and calls out influencers who, in her view, paint a misleading picture of life in Cuba. "It's because of these people that many are looking back and then struggling," she claims.
The video has garnered hundreds of comments, with opinions divided. Some users praise @izygamer5's candor, while others criticize her for generalizing or speaking from what they consider a limited perspective. "Not everyone returns to 'show off,'" wrote one user, arguing that some come back for family reasons or because they couldn't legalize their status in the U.S. Another user pointed out the irony of discussing the country's hardships while displaying a recent manicure: "Are the nails free, or do they cost money?"
Viewers are also curious about terms like "ecoflow," referring to portable generators or rechargeable batteries that many Cubans use to cope with power outages. Others expressed resignation or sarcasm: "Let them face reality," one user commented.
This controversy emerges as stories of Cubans returning to the island after years abroad become more visible, motivated by economic exhaustion or the desire to be close to loved ones. Reggaeton artist El Micha explained his decision to return, saying, "I don't want to pay more bills; I'm going where people show you love," after criticizing the lack of support in the U.S. and the competitive music industry in Miami.
The case of Cuban-German Juan Carlos Hernández Mora illustrates the risks of investing in Cuba: he was sentenced on what he considers unjust charges, lost his hostel, and was stripped of his home, leaving him stuck in Cuba until 2030. Similarly, actor Juan Carlos Roque Moreno returned last December after facing personal and professional challenges in Spain, and young Sheila Pérez came back to care for her grandfather. Other Cubans share their experiences online of renovating homes in Cuba after leaving the U.S.
The post by @izygamer5 not only voices a personal opinion but also underscores the increasing polarization among Cubans both on and off the island regarding what it means to stay, return, or rebuild a life straddling two worlds. A conflict that, far from being resolved, continues to gain visibility on social media.
Understanding the Challenges of Returning to Cuba
Why do some emigrants choose to return to Cuba?
Some emigrants return to Cuba for family reasons, economic exhaustion abroad, or because they couldn't legalize their status in the United States.
What are the main challenges of living in Cuba upon return?
Returning Cubans face challenges such as frequent power outages, economic instability, and the difficulty of preserving food due to the collapse of the energy system.
How are influencers affecting perceptions of life in Cuba?
Some influencers portray an overly positive image of life in Cuba, which can mislead those considering returning about the realities they may face.