A Cuban woman living in the United States has gone viral on TikTok after candidly sharing her thoughts on life in America, declaring that the "United States is not for everyone."
In a video posted by user @diazyeny0, the young woman elaborates that life in the U.S. can be particularly tough for those who emigrated from a relatively comfortable situation in Cuba. However, she asserts that it represents a genuine opportunity for those who had nothing on the island.
"Sweetheart, the United States is not a country for everyone. Nothing will fall from the sky here. This country is for those who never had anything in Cuba, for those who lived off their work but couldn't make ends meet," the Cuban woman expressed.
Her testimony highlights that individuals in Cuba who owned a home, car, motorcycle, or small business might feel frustrated upon arriving in America, where starting from scratch and working hard is necessary to maintain the same standard of living.
"If you had your little house, nice car, motorcycle, and lived off a good business in Cuba without struggling, you came to the wrong country. You’ll regret it," she added, sparking a flurry of comments and debates on social media.
Many users agreed with her perspective, emphasizing that the American dream demands continuous effort, sacrifice, and discipline. Others, however, argued that the sacrifice is worth it in exchange for freedom, security, and opportunities—scarce commodities in Cuba under Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime.
This post has resonated widely within the Cuban exile community, where more voices acknowledge that while life in the United States isn't easy, it is indeed fairer for those willing to work hard and improve themselves.
Understanding the Challenges of the American Dream for Cubans
Why do some Cubans find life in the U.S. challenging?
Many Cubans who had comfortable lives in Cuba struggle in the U.S. because they have to start over from scratch, working hard to maintain the same standard of living they had back home.
What do supporters of the American dream say about the sacrifices involved?
Supporters argue that the sacrifices are justified by the gains in freedom, security, and opportunities, which are lacking in Cuba under the current regime.