After spending over a decade in the United States, a Cuban manicurist made the bold decision to abandon her home, business, and everything she had built to embark on a new journey in Spain. Known on TikTok as @digitalnailsclub, the young woman shared her story in a viral video that sparked intense discussions about migration, fear, and the quest for stability.
"I left the United States after 11 years. I gave up everything, left it all behind, and moved to Spain," she revealed in her post, which was recorded during her moving process. In the video, she explained that her decision followed "the worst news of her life" received on August 25. Although she didn't provide details, she made it clear that immigration issues were the primary reason. In another clip on her alternate account, @ThaliLifeStyle, she added, "I had to attend my immigration appointment after 11 years of living in this country, and now I have to leave everything and start from scratch. I was at the peak of my life: I had bought my house and started my business."
The Cuban woman emphasized that her seven-year-old daughter was the most significant factor in her decision, along with the unwavering support of her husband, who, she mentioned, stood by her through the entire process "without needing to." "Immigration issues are not great in the United States; that's no secret to anyone, so before anything happened to me—because above all, I'm a mother—I decided to leave everything behind and seek a different future," she explained.
Thalía recounted her journey, which involved a five-day drive from the U.S. to Mexico, followed by a flight to Spain, where she now resides in Gran Canaria. Surprisingly, she confessed, she had purchased her home just six months before making the move. "I had everything set: a new house, new business, everything was flowing wonderfully," she recalled. However, the uncertainty surrounding immigration pushed her to make a drastic decision. "Starting from scratch has never been easy, but your mental peace is priceless," she asserted.
Now settled in Spain, the Cuban woman expresses happiness, gratitude, and confidence in choosing the best path for her family. "Today I start here from scratch, but I'm not afraid," she wrote in one of her posts, where she shares messages of resilience and gratitude to those supporting her in this new phase.
Her story has elicited thousands of reactions. Some questioned her decision to live over a decade in the U.S. without securing residency, while others applauded her for prioritizing her well-being and that of her daughter. Amidst both criticism and support, Thalía notes that she has been able to maintain her income thanks to her work on social media.
Migrating from the U.S. to Spain: Key Questions
What prompted the Cuban manicurist to leave the U.S. after 11 years?
The primary reason for her departure was immigration issues, following what she described as "the worst news of her life" concerning her immigration status.
Why did she choose Spain as her new home?
She sought a different future for herself and her family, prioritizing her daughter's well-being and a supportive environment, which she found in Spain.
How has she managed financially after moving to Spain?
Thalía has maintained her income through her work on social media, which has allowed her to continue supporting herself and her family.
What was the public reaction to her story?
Her story sparked a mix of criticism and support. Some questioned her long stay in the U.S. without residency, while others praised her for prioritizing her and her daughter's well-being.