By Penelope Castillo
Some people in London can only dream of waking up in the hot morning sun, feeling the cool breeze on their faces as they open their window and see the beautiful ocean right outside their door step. This is something that some people would prefer to leave behind, so that they can make enough money to support their families.
Cuba gives its citizens free education which gives them opportunities to become doctors, surgeons and other high skilled jobs but Cubans still have to work two, sometimes three, jobs to make enough money. Government housing is almost dilapidated and some families have to live in dangerous conditions. Whole families are forced to sleep under trees and when it rains they are fearful for their lives as their roofs may cave in.
Travel is limited for Cuban citizens – due to certain restrictions only someone holding an exceptional status or travelling on an official visit is able to travel outside of Cuba. Private trips are also permitted, however “emigrating” means that a person decides to relinquish all their rights and property they own on the Island.
Alexander Escalona 34, was born and lived in Cuba for over 31 years and recently made the journey of his life to leave his home city of Havana and come to London.
“It is illegal not to have a job in Cuba, but it is very hard to find a good job. I had to work three jobs and still I didn’t have enough money to support my family. I tried to get a visa to the United States, but I was refused. I decided to put all my money together and pay for pirates to take me across to the US illegally, I was desperate. I got on the boat which was very small with three other men trying to cross, during the night the pirates robbed us at gun point and took all our clothing, they then got into another boat and left us to die in the middle of the ocean. We had no food, water or gas to move the boat, we had to use our arms in the water as paddles, then one of the other men died, I think of dehydration, after two days we decided to swim as we could side land, we both jumped into the water, I never saw the other man again. I managed to get a job in a hotel; I worked so hard they gave me the opportunity to move to London. I have been in London for over 5 years now, I can now send my family money”.
Last year immigration was cut by 16%, making it harder for people to obtain visa. Some immigrants that lived and worked in the UK for over 5 years were forced to leave after being denied indefinite leave. People are risking their lives in order to live the British dream. Immigrates are criticised as people believe they are taking all the jobs, however it is the employees who are paying these wages and wanting to pay less for workers. The question we must ask ourselves is what lengths would we go to if our families had no money.