A Cuban woman in Italy has touched many hearts on TikTok by showcasing her 69-year-old father working as a floor cleaner to make a living. "The life of an immigrant is about having dignity. We all know what it means to struggle," wrote Vionaysi Beltran (@vionaysi on the platform) in a video featuring her father hard at work, exemplifying effort and sacrifice.
"Here I am, cleaning floors to survive, but I eat meat every day, I don't lose power, I don't lose water, I have transportation; I clean floors but I am here in Italy," says the man in one of the videos his daughter has uploaded online. Responding to one of the many comments the videos have garnered, Vionaysi acknowledged her father's attitude and labor: "You know nothing stops him, a specialized veterinarian in Cuba now working as a cleaner in Italy; only a Cuban immigrant can do that."
The posts have generated an outpouring of praise and support for both of them: "It's better to clean floors than to steal or kill. Blessings my friend, good luck"; "This man is a worker, there is no fear here"; "Blessings my fellow countryman, may God grant you good health. We are in Italy, here pushing forward, let them say what they want, we are in Italy. I cut hair, but in Italy!"; "My respects"; "Very nice man, blessings, I did it for 11 years"; "Blessings, work with honor and dignity is a divine miracle"; "How lovely! Congratulations and blessings. That's the way to talk so many understand. What an immigrant needs is dignity, to help their family here and there," read some of the reactions.
Other users also expressed their admiration and respect for the man's effort and dignity: "How lovely to have such an honorable father with his feet on the ground, transmitting good principles, millions of blessings," one user commented, to which Vionaysi responded, noting, "Since he arrived in Italy, he goes to work with me to help and not burden me. He was a veterinarian in Cuba, and here he is with me, fighting."
The messages of support and solidarity continue to pour in on the platform, reflecting the respect and admiration for this Cuban man's story of effort and dignity and his family's resilience. Other videos uploaded by Vionaysi, including a prank on her father, show not only his determination to move forward but also the beautiful relationship between father and daughter.
FAQs About Cuban Immigrants in Italy
Given the emotional response to Vionaysi Beltran's TikTok videos about her father's journey, here are some frequently asked questions about the challenges and experiences of Cuban immigrants in Italy.
What challenges do Cuban immigrants face in Italy?
Cuban immigrants often face challenges such as language barriers, finding employment, and adapting to a new culture. Despite their qualifications, many take on jobs outside their field of expertise to make a living.
How do Cuban immigrants maintain dignity in their new lives?
Cuban immigrants maintain dignity through hard work, resilience, and the determination to provide for their families. They often take pride in their ability to adapt and thrive, despite the hardships they face.
What kind of support do Cuban immigrants receive from the community?
Cuban immigrants often receive support from both the local and expatriate communities. Social media platforms like TikTok have also become a space for sharing their stories and receiving encouragement and solidarity from people worldwide.