Deily Salazar Estévez unexpectedly found herself in Paris, unable to speak French and knowing no one. Eight years later, she shared her story of resilience as a Cuban immigrant in the French capital through a TikTok video.
Her initial destination was never France. She left Cuba for Canada, intending to cross into the United States to join her family. However, a visa issue prevented her from entering the U.S.
"I arrived in this city without choosing it, without French, without a support network, without contacts, not knowing what was ahead," she recounted in a video posted on July 4th.
What followed was anything but easy. Deily describes a period filled with uncertainty and anxiety: "There were very difficult, very dark moments, and even now, thinking back, I still feel that stress in my stomach."
During those challenging times, she felt as though there was no way out. Yet, she made a decision that she believes changed everything: she refused to give up on herself.
"I never abandoned myself, and that — not abandoning myself — was all I needed for everything else to fall into place," she stated.
Today, eight years after that unexpected arrival, her life is vastly different. Deily is employed in one of the most demanding districts in Paris, in a job she loves, where she is well-appreciated and well-compensated.
She is raising a son on her own, whom she describes as "strong, healthy, but above all, very resilient, having grown up watching his mom build from scratch."
Reflecting on these years, her feelings are not of nostalgia but of pride: "I have peace, I have stability in every sense, and I am very proud because I have more confidence in myself than ever before."
She clarifies that this pride does not stem from an easy journey, but quite the opposite: "Not because everything was easy, but precisely because it wasn't. I arrived in this country with nothing and turned it into my home."
In other videos on her profile, Deily shares insights into the immigrant life and personal growth. One of her recurring phrases encapsulates her philosophy of integration: "Integrating is not erasing yourself."
Her story is part of a broader phenomenon. The Cuban diaspora in France is one of the smallest in Europe, with estimates ranging between 3,000 and 5,000 people. This is partly because France rejects nearly 80% of Cuban asylum applications, complicating immigration regularization.
Journeys like Deily's — characterized by unexpected destinations and disrupted plans — are common among Cuban migrants. The odyssey of Cubans traveling through multiple countries highlights the challenges faced by those fleeing the island's crisis.
Deily's video concluded with a phrase that sums up her entire experience: "As long as you don't abandon yourself, everything will be fine. That's the only thing I know for sure."
Insights into Cuban Immigration Challenges
What challenges do Cuban immigrants face in France?
Cuban immigrants often face hurdles, such as language barriers and the high rejection rate of asylum applications, with France rejecting nearly 80% of these applications.
How many Cubans are estimated to live in France?
The Cuban diaspora in France is estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 individuals.