A young Cuban, Oscar Luis Acosta, recently arrived alone in Montevideo, Uruguay. Just two days into his new life, he recorded a video on the streets of the capital with a message filled with determination, resonating with the Cuban diaspora.
"Today marks my second day in Montevideo. I came here from Cuba all by myself. I'm not afraid of anything. I'm a millionaire in my mind," Oscar proclaimed confidently to the camera.
In the video, he acknowledges the tough beginnings but remains steadfast in his belief that he will succeed, even if the results are not yet visible. "I'm starting from the bottom. Look at me here. No matter what people say, I will achieve all my dreams and goals, walking with God," he asserted.
Messages of Hope and Determination
Oscar's message also served as a heartfelt greeting to those he left behind on the island: "To the people of Cuba, to those who care about me and follow me, this is just the beginning. I'm learning from everything."
He concluded the video with a phrase that encapsulates his mindset as he embarks on this new chapter, far from loved ones and familiar surroundings. "No matter where you are, the only things separating you from your goals are your mentality and faith, your desire to move forward, and your discipline. And here we are, breaking barriers," he stated.
Proud of his roots, he added, "I have a strong Cuban look, but I'm very proud of Cuba. Now that I'm here, I'm going to make it big."
Impact on the Cuban Community
The video sparked a wave of comments from family, friends, and followers offering encouragement and advice for the immigrant life. One supporter wrote, "Take advantage of your youth, be smart, work hard because that's what leads to achievements. When you're outside your country, connect with people who bring value, don't waste time on trivial things, learn from the country you're in and work hard. The beginnings are tough, but it will be worth it."
Another comment, reflecting the affection from those who know him, noted, "You're going to succeed. You're a person with good values, honest and humble, having grown up in a family with strong values. You'll achieve your goals because you're hardworking and persistent."
Cuban Migration Patterns
Oscar's story is part of a larger migration trend of historic proportions. In 2025, over 22,000 Cubans entered Uruguay, resulting in a net increase of about 15,000 people, nearly triple the figure from 2024. Montevideo hosts 85% of asylum seekers in the nation, and in 2025, approximately 13,852 Cubans received a Uruguayan identity card for the first time, five times more than other nationalities.
This trend shows no signs of slowing, with nearly 2,000 Cubans arriving just between January and February of 2026.
The Push Factors Behind Cuban Migration
Behind stories like Oscar's lies a harsh reality driving thousands of Cubans to leave the island. Sixty-seven years of a communist regime have left the country devastated, aging, and profoundly scarred by state repression, economic crisis, power outages, food shortages, and fuel scarcity. For millions of Cubans, emigration remains the only viable option.
Understanding the Cuban Migration to Uruguay
Why are so many Cubans migrating to Uruguay?
Cubans are migrating to Uruguay due to longstanding issues in Cuba such as state repression, economic hardship, power shortages, and lack of basic necessities. Uruguay presents an opportunity for a better life.
What challenges do Cuban immigrants face in Uruguay?
Cuban immigrants often face challenges such as adapting to a new culture, learning the local language, securing employment, and navigating legal processes to obtain residency and work permits.
How has the Cuban migration affected Uruguay?
The influx of Cuban migrants has contributed to cultural diversity in Uruguay, brought new skills to the labor market, and increased demand for services related to integration and support for immigrants.