A Cuban woman in the United States shared her harsh reality on TikTok after being away from Cuba for two years. In her video, Lisette González (@lisettegonzalez946) recounts how her life has drastically changed since arriving in the U.S., expressing feelings of disorientation, loneliness, and frustration. "Two years today since I left Cuba. Two years since I arrived in the United States and my life changed completely," she begins, visibly emotional.
According to her, these years have been particularly challenging, as she feels she hasn't been able to become independent or find her path. "I haven't been able to be myself, I haven't been able to become independent, and every day you age more, and you don't know what to do with your life," she confessed.
The Cuban woman also describes the difficulties she faces as an older woman, without a partner or stable job, in a country that, according to her, favors people who have someone to share their responsibilities with. "It's difficult because you can't find a partner to move forward with because this country is for couples. Here, being old and alone is sad. It's sad to be old and alone," she lamented.
Additionally, she mentioned the economic obstacles she faces, especially not having a job that allows her to pay rent or access a car, which has exacerbated her situation. "You don't know what decision to make because you can't find a job and you have to pay rent," she explains in the video, showing the desperation of not being able to cover her basic needs.
On the other hand, the woman expressed her frustration with the TikTok Shop platform, a tool she has been using to sell products, but which has not yielded the expected results. "TikTok Shop doesn't add up; nothing sells. I've been at it for three months, and my shop is full, and I don't know what to do with all this stuff," she commented.
Her testimony has resonated on social media, where many users have sympathized with her situation, showing the less visible side of immigration, where not everything is the success and stability often associated with arriving in a developed country. "Don't be disheartened because in Cuba you would be much worse off, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel, and you'll see that you'll adapt and move forward," "I thought I was the only one experiencing this," "I understand everything you say, it's very sad, it's a loneliness. You don't know where to go, there are no friends, no coworkers," "But you can't get depressed, I'm 59 years old, and I managed to get ahead, I worked and drove since I arrived. I went to my first jobs by bike," "Keep fighting, don't throw in the towel. Don't get depressed, think that in Cuba you would be worse off, you'll see that you'll find a job and a life partner. Best of luck," or "I thought it only happened to me. It's hard, and it's true that this isn't a country for a single person. We've arrived late here, but Cuba, as painful as it is, is not an option," are some of the comments dedicated to Lisette González.
Challenges Faced by Cuban Immigrants in the U.S.
Below are some questions and answers that delve deeper into the struggles faced by Cuban immigrants in the United States, as highlighted by Lisette González's story.
Why does Lisette González feel disoriented and frustrated in the U.S.?
Lisette González feels disoriented and frustrated because she hasn't been able to become independent or find her path in the U.S., and she is facing economic obstacles without a stable job or a car.
What economic challenges is Lisette González facing?
Lisette González is struggling to find a job that allows her to pay rent and access a car, which exacerbates her financial difficulties.
How has social media responded to Lisette González's story?
Social media users have shown sympathy and support for Lisette González, sharing their own experiences and offering words of encouragement.