Cuban Woman Criticizes Those Complaining About the U.S.: "I Wish I Could Put Them on a Raft Back"

A Cuban woman living in the United States has sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok after posting a video delivering a strong message to her fellow countrymen who, according to her, fail to appreciate the opportunities offered by their host nation. "I wish I could put them on a raft and send them back," she declares emphatically in the video, which has already garnered hundreds of supportive comments.

Identified as @yilay493, the woman explained that she recorded the video right after leaving the hospital, where she was treated for bronchitis. "They gave me my medications before I left; they didn't let me go without them," she recounted, highlighting the medical care she received in the U.S. "Here, you are treated like a human being, not like a dog," she added.

Gratitude for the Opportunities in the U.S.

In her message, Yilay criticized the attitude of some newly arrived Cubans who complain about the American system while receiving assistance. "This country opens its doors to us, gives us opportunities, and yet there are Cubans who complain every day. In Cuba, they were lazy and lived off relatives here," she stated with clear frustration.

The video, shot from inside her car, displays the phrase "Everyone should go back to Cuba," reflecting the direct and unfiltered tone of her message. The Cuban woman emphasized that she has lived in the United States for more than three decades and owes nothing to the Cuban government: "Because of them, I had to leave my family behind. Here, I love the freedom and the chance to live with dignity."

Community Reactions on TikTok

The reactions on TikTok were swift. Dozens of users supported her speech with comments like "Totally agree with you," "God bless America," and "Finally, a Cuban who speaks the truth." Others took the opportunity to share their own experiences with healthcare and work in the U.S. However, some urged her not to generalize, reminding her that "not all Cubans live off those here."

Despite the criticisms, Yilay's video has gone viral within the Cuban community both inside and outside the United States, gathering support from those who share her sense of gratitude toward America. Her direct and unvarnished message has reignited the debate about adaptation, work ethic, and appreciation among Cuban immigrants.