A Cuban-American known as @yarys6 on TikTok has taken to the platform to address criticisms from relatives in Cuba regarding her vote in the recent U.S. presidential election, where Donald Trump returned to the White House. "I'm in shock," Yarys states in the video caption, expressing her frustration with balancing life in the U.S. alongside the expectations and reprimands from her family back home.
The video, which has garnered over 1,400 likes, captures the reality faced by many immigrants who sacrifice much of their personal income and well-being to send support to their families in Cuba. "You come to this country, endure countless struggles, and when you finally find your footing, you forgo many things to help your family in Cuba," she explains. Yarys highlights how Cuban immigrants often limit their personal expenses to send money back home, yet their efforts are frequently met with a lack of understanding.
Struggles of Cuban Immigrants
"We say, 'No, I can't do this now because I need to send this money to my family there,'" she stresses in the video, noting the lack of recognition for their sacrifices. Yarys also discusses cases where immigrants have used their savings to bring family members to the U.S. via perilous migration routes, providing them with shelter and assistance for months. However, some of these family members now criticize their political choices: "On top of everything, you have to endure being called a traitor for exercising your right to vote, for choosing what benefits you, not thinking about them."
Pointing Out the Real Culprits
Yarys points out the absurdity of this situation, reminding that the true cause of hardships in Cuba is not those who have left but the Cuban regime itself. "Now you're the scapegoat, not Canel, not the Communist Party, the ones who forced Cubans to sell their homes to chase dreams elsewhere," she emphasizes, referring to the harsh conditions that drive many to seek a future abroad. Nevertheless, some in Cuba view their relatives as responsible for voting with their interests at heart, asserting, "No, no, no, you're to blame because you chose what's best for you and your family."
Her testimony has resonated deeply with her followers, prompting many to share their perspectives and similar experiences. Supporters expressed solidarity, recounting their own frustrations with family members' misunderstandings. "My family is furious because I voted for progress. They say now they'll truly suffer. I'm just as shocked"; "People in Cuba deciding the U.S. president"; "It's a never-ending sacrifice, and you never satisfy anyone." Others highlighted the importance of prioritizing their own lives: "We are now American citizens, and we must think and vote as such."
Impact of Trump's Victory
This issue has gained significant traction among Cuban-Americans following Trump's victory with 277 electoral votes in a historic contest against current Vice President Kamala Harris. The Republican's win, particularly in Latino-heavy states like Florida, has fueled intense debate within the Cuban community, splitting opinions between those focusing on improving their lives in the U.S. and those in Cuba who perceive Trump as a threat.