A Cuban man known as Lázaro Gómez has sparked attention on TikTok with a video expressing regret over his move from Nicaragua to the United States. He claims that during his three-month stay in Nicaragua, he had a better quality of life than in the two years he's spent in the U.S., challenging the idealized image of the "American Dream" that motivated his emigration.
In the video, which was shared on June 16, Gómez contrasts his time in Matagalpa with his current experience in Miami, labeling the promises about life in the U.S. as deceptive.
“In the three months I lived in Nicaragua, I was better off than here in the United States. Two years I've been here...,” he states in the clip, which has garnered over 390,000 views and more than 6,100 shares.
One of his main points revolves around access to basic services: “If I had a toothache there, I got it taken care of quickly and was ready to work. Here, everything is a hassle.”
Gómez also criticizes the lifestyle of Cubans he observes in Miami, describing them as trapped in a cycle of credit-fueled consumption: “Fooled by all these Cubans here, full of chains, cars, everything, but also full of debt.”
In contrast, he highlights what he achieved through his own efforts in Nicaragua: “In three months, I set up my little business, my sales, you understand? And here, it's just debt with banks, endless requests.”
His conclusion is blunt: “Everything here is a lie; I lived better in Nicaragua, and they made me come here.”
Nicaragua: A Haven for Cuban Migrants
Gómez's story is part of a larger trend. Starting in November 2021, Nicaragua became a significant migration route for Cubans when Daniel Ortega’s regime waived visa requirements for island citizens. Between 2021 and 2024, over 400,000 Cubans used this corridor to reach the U.S.
Nevertheless, a significant number chose to remain in Nicaragua. Many Cubans settled primarily in Managua, engaging in small businesses and informal trade, attracted by the low cost of living and opportunities for self-employment.
Data supports Gómez's perspective: As of mid-2025, Numbeo reported that the cost of living in Nicaragua is approximately 50% cheaper than in the U.S., with food prices up to 79% lower.
In Miami, financial pressure on newly arrived migrants is significant. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,600 to $3,200 per month, while the median household income hovers around $66,000 annually, well below the $100,000 estimated necessary for a comfortable life.
End of a Migration Route
The path used by Gómez and hundreds of thousands of Cubans was permanently closed on February 8, 2026, when Nicaragua ended the visa-free travel for Cuban citizens under the pressure of U.S. sanctions.
“I live better in Nicaragua; what I achieve with my sacrifice is what I achieve alone,” Gómez concludes in the video, echoing the frustration of many Cuban migrants who arrived in the U.S. with expectations starkly different from the reality they encountered.
Understanding Cuban Migration Experiences
Why did Lázaro Gómez believe Nicaragua offered a better quality of life than the U.S.?
Gómez felt the cost of living was lower in Nicaragua, and he could efficiently manage basic needs like healthcare. He also valued the opportunity for entrepreneurship without the burden of debt.
How did Nicaragua become a significant migration route for Cubans?
In November 2021, Nicaragua lifted visa requirements for Cuban citizens, making it an accessible route for those seeking to migrate to the U.S.
What financial challenges do Cuban migrants face in Miami?
Cuban migrants in Miami face high living costs, including expensive rent and lower than necessary household incomes for a comfortable lifestyle.