A young Cuban woman living in Mexico, who identifies on TikTok as @maryfra.21, shared on that social network the bitter experience she faced while trying to find a place to rent in Cancún. Despite meeting all the legal and financial requirements to rent, she encountered an unexpected obstacle: being Cuban.
“I'm currently looking for a rental here in Cancún, exploring many options because I'm not going to settle for the first one. I reach out to a girl because I see she has a very nice apartment and yes, she tells me it's available, sends me the details, photos, price, and asks me where I'm from,” the young woman explained in a video.
When she answered that she was Cuban, although a permanent resident in Mexico and with verifiable income, the response she received left her taken aback.
“I tell him that I am Cuban, but that I am a permanent resident here in Mexico, that I have verifiable income, that I can provide references, and he tells me that he is sorry, but that he cannot offer it to me”, she recounted.
The denial, based solely on her nationality, triggered a mix of sadness and indignation: “The truth is it made me feel a bit bad because I didn’t understand why I was denied, and Cancun rents to many foreigners. I can also understand that there are many Cubans with a bad reputation, but, my people, we are not all the same; sometimes you have to give the benefit of the doubt.”
The testimony sparked a debate in the comments about the discrimination faced by migrants, even in countries where they have legal residency. Many users have expressed their support, while others have reflected on the stigmas that weigh on entire communities due to the behavior of a few. There were also those who supported the fact that they were not rented to because of negative previous experiences with Cubans in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions about Discrimination and the Experiences of Cuban Migrants in Mexico
Why did the young Cuban feel disdained while searching for an apartment in Cancun?
The young Cuban felt rejected because her rental application for an apartment was denied due to her nationality. Despite having permanent residency in Mexico and meeting the financial requirements, she was turned down for being Cuban, which caused her sadness and indignation.
What challenges do Cubans face when emigrating to Mexico?
Cubans in Mexico face challenges such as discrimination based on their nationality, difficulties accessing services such as housing, and the need to continually prove their economic and social worth. Despite facing prejudice, many find support and solidarity within the Mexican community.
How does Maryfra compare the living conditions between Cuba and Mexico?
Maryfra highlights that in Mexico one can enjoy basic comforts such as air conditioning, something that in Cuba she considers a privilege due to electrical instability. This comparison reflects the structural inequalities in access to basic services between both countries.
What reactions has Maryfra generated on social media with her testimonials?
Maryfra has generated extensive debate and support on social media by sharing her experiences as a Cuban migrant in Mexico. Her videos have sparked discussions about discrimination, the challenges faced by migrants, and the differences in quality of life between Cuba and Mexico. Although she receives criticism, the majority of the comments are supportive and empathetic.
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