Many factors make immigrating to the US difficult, such as high costs and lengthy processes, but the work doesn’t stop there. Shifting from surviving to thriving in American society is challenging and isn’t always guaranteed.
Yet prosperity is possible. Living proof that immigrating to the US can lead to success is the leader of Mudanzas Miami, a Cuban entrepreneur who touched the hearts of many on social media with his emotional video, shared on his TikTok account @mudanzasmiami.
Lasting Transformations
Many Cuban immigrants, particularly those among the earliest groups, came to America expecting to stay in the US for only a short period before the new government was overthrown. Yet, as time passed, some Cuban Americans understood that they may not be returning home soon, so they began to build a new life and community in the US.
Many Cuban immigrants’ new homes became Florida, specifically Miami. In 1969, the Hispanic population in Miami was 50,000 but grew to 580,000 by 1980. Throughout the years, this community has continued to grow and create a lasting transformation in Miami in unprecedented ways, with this close-knit community founding businesses, banks, and Cuban American institutions and finding jobs for other immigrants who arrived later.
While Cuban immigrants have established a reputation for success, primarily because of the relative affluence of the first generation of immigrants, most Cuban immigrants face many of the same struggles that all other immigrant groups face.
Challenges that many immigrants battle when coming to the US include language barriers, one of the biggest barriers when trying to survive, find employment, secure housing, navigate the education system, and adapt to American culture.
Mudanzas Miami’s Leader Reminisces
The Cuban leader of Mudanzas Miami reflected on his hard work and perseverance journey in his recent TikTik video, filmed in front of a well-known landmark in Miami. He reminisced about how he started his life in the US after arriving 15 years ago, beginning his journey by working humble jobs.
“Fifteen years ago, I was in this same place, working for the city of Miami, cutting all that grass you see over there, with a company that supported us for a long time. It was honest work,” he said in the video.
From mowing grass to being a successful business leader, the entrepreneur celebrates his professional success by closing an important contract with his moving company. This accomplishment highlights his years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.
In his TikTok video, the entrepreneur motivates Cubans who have recently emigrated to the US by saying, “If I could, you can. To all those who have just arrived from Cuba, don’t lose hope; America is vast.” He serves as inspiration for those arriving to the US as immigrants.
The Capital of Cuban America
Today, Miami is considered the capital of Cuban America and a major capital of the Latin American world. This community has contributed significantly to the development of Miami, with much of the city bilingual in practice, if not by law, bringing Spanish-language newspapers, television, and radio stations to the area.
Annually, the Calle Ocho festival, which celebrates Cuban heritage, attracts hundreds of thousands from across the globe to the streets of the traditional Cuban quarter.
The story of Mudanzas, Miami’s Cuban leader, is another testament to the power of hard work and determination – that it is possible to succeed in America with all its opportunities. From his humble beginnings doing landscape maintenance to building a successful business in one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in America, this entrepreneur’s story reflects the resilience of many immigrants.