Yaniris González, a Cuban living abroad, shared a candid video on TikTok this Tuesday, addressing fellow expats who frequently call to complain about their lives overseas and express their desire to return to Cuba.
González's message isn't a critique of wanting to go back but a personal boundary: she respects and accepts the choice of those who wish to return to the island but asks not to be sought out for validation, as she feels fulfilled where she is.
“You want to go back to Cuba, and I completely understand that. What I don't understand is you calling me every day to say you can't take it anymore, that you can't stand this country, that you're always working, that everything is expensive, that money isn't enough, and that nobody can get ahead here,” she says in the video, which lasts just over two minutes.
González outlines why she appreciates her life outside of Cuba: having a car, paying a comfortable rent, knowing her children are well, her son having access to free school bus, breakfast, and lunch, and not having to worry daily about what to cook.
“Having transportation to get to work, money for gas, money to buy food and pay rent, to me, means I've prospered,” she asserts.
She acknowledges her efforts: she works, but that work provides a comfortable life, not luxurious, but stable. “I am comfortable,” she describes herself, adding that she continues to move forward.
At the same time, she makes it clear she doesn't judge those who decide to return. “If you want to go back to Cuba, I accept that, and I'll support you in whatever you need. If you're happy there, great. Everyone is their own world,” she says. What she rejects is receiving daily calls seeking approval she can't provide: “For me, it's neither right nor wrong. It's your decision, and I respect it.”
Social Media Debate Among Cuban Expats
The video is part of an ongoing debate on TikTok, where Cuban expats—primarily in the United States—share stories about their desire or decision to return to the island, citing emotional exhaustion, high living costs, and family reasons.
Recently, a Cuban in Miami announced on August 14th his return due to stress and financial pressure, stating he worked from three in the morning and couldn't afford rent.
Others have warned that romanticizing the return could be a mistake. A content creator pointed out in May that before going back, one should consider whether the issues that pushed them to emigrate—economic, political, social—have actually changed on the island.
Conversely, a Cuban who has lived in the U.S. for ten years argued in July that she came to the country not to stay forever, while another in June claimed she could have the same comforts in Cuba without working all year just to pay bills.
This view contrasts with the current situation in Cuba: food shortages, extended blackouts, and inflation that independent sources estimate near 70% annually, conditions that González's video, though not directly mentioning, puts into perspective.
“Please don't call me anymore to tell me how bad things are and that nobody prospers here. Don't do it,” González concludes, summarizing the tone of her entire message: respect for others' decisions, but without compromising her own stance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Expats Returning
Why do some Cuban expats want to return to Cuba?
Some Cuban expats consider returning to Cuba due to emotional exhaustion, high living costs abroad, and family reasons. They often feel overwhelmed by the demands of life in other countries.
What are the challenges facing those who return to Cuba?
Those returning to Cuba may face challenges such as food shortages, extended blackouts, and high inflation rates, estimated by independent sources to be nearly 70% annually.