From "Good Morning" to "Ostias, Coño": The Life of a Colombian in the United States Between Trump, the Economy, and the European Dream | Luigi Torres

From "Good Morning" to "Ostias, Coño": The Life of a Colombian in the United States Between Trump, the Economy, and the European Dream | Luigi Torres

What a Complicated Situation.
It’s just humor  

Being an immigrant in the United States is quite an adventure, especially if you’re Latino and come from Colombia. Between the bureaucracy, the politics that change overnight, and the need to adapt to the language and culture, it feels like you’re on a roller coaster without a seatbelt.

Lately, with the political situation in this country, some of us have begun to wonder: Is it time to put aside “Good morning” and “Have a good night” and start getting used to “Ostias, coño” in European Spanish? This article is a journey through the experiences, challenges, and, of course, the humorous moments we encounter as Colombians in the United States, with an eye toward a possible European future.

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1. The daily life of a Colombian in the United States

1.1 The daily culture shock

Arriving in the United States involves dealing with things as simple as learning how to use a microwave properly, understanding that public restrooms don’t have spare toilet paper, or figuring out how the tipping system works in restaurants.

As a Latino, one begins by saying:

• “Good morning” to the neighbor in the elevator.
• Smile in the supermarket and receive a puzzled look.
• It adapts to the “How are you?” that everyone responds to with an automatic “Good,” even if they don’t mean it.

All of this seems simple, but when we add political and economic stress, daily life becomes a series of strategic decisions for survival.

1.2 Between English and Spanish

One of the funniest and most frustrating experiences is the constant language switching. At first, you struggle to understand simple phrases like:

• “Could you help me with this form?”
• “Please, line up over there.”

But over time, everything starts to get mixed up:

• “Ostias, I forgot the milk!”
• “Coño, the bus is leaving!”

And that’s when you realize that English is no longer enough, but you don’t completely forget Colombian Spanish either.

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2. The impact of politics and economics on the lives of immigrants

2.1 Donald Trump and immigration uncertainty

For many Latinos in the United States, the Donald Trump administration brought a significant shift in perceptions of security and stability. News of deportations, tariffs, and stricter laws create a constant atmosphere of tension.

• Every time the phone rings, one wonders if it’s to announce a change in policy.
• News about immigration and labor laws is followed more closely than any Netflix series.

2.2 The economy and the American Dream on Pause

If the «American Dream» once meant arriving in the United States and building a prosperous life, today many of us view it with a magnifying glass. The cost of living, salaries, taxes, and health insurance can make you start to question whether it’s worth it.

And that’s where the idea of ​​moving to Europe comes in: Spain appears in the minds of many as a place where our language is still spoken, where the food is good, and, at least, where you don’t have to struggle so much with the English accent.

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3. Humor in the Midst of Complexity

Sometimes the best way to survive the immigrant life is with humor. A clear example:

• Going from “Good morning” to “Fuck off, damn it” is not just a change in language, but in attitude.
• You start mixing expressions and phrases without realizing it: “Auntie, you’re so annoying, but I really appreciate your help!”

Humor is a lifeline for all of us who sometimes feel that life in the United States is more like an absurd comedy than a National Geographic documentary.

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4. Prepare for Possible Emigration to Spain

4.1 Relearning European Spanish

If the tariff and immigration situation continues to become more complicated, many Colombians are considering moving to Spain. This means not only packing suitcases but also adapting to the language. Going from saying «Hi, how are you?» to «Dude, what are you talking about?» can be quite a challenge.

4.2 Cultural and Logistical Adjustments

• Moving to a new country means learning new times, cultures, and ways of socializing.
• You also have to adapt to Spanish bureaucracy: NIE, social security, and everything you thought you understood in the United States become another administrative labyrinth.

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5. Tips for Surviving and Thriving as a Latino Immigrant

5.1 Maintain a Sense of Humor

Laughing at problems and not taking everything too seriously helps deal with daily frustration and stress.

5.2 Support Networks

Seeking out Latino communities, social media groups, or cultural associations is key to feeling supported.

5.3 Education and Continuing Learning

Whether you’re learning English, adapting Spanish to a European accent, or training in new areas, it never hurts to be prepared for any scenario.

5.4 Economic Adaptation

Learning to manage budgets, save, and understand local financial systems is essential to avoiding dependence on political uncertainty.

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6. Stories of Personal Experiences

6.1 The Clash with the Climate

• In Colorado, you get used to taking cold showers, but the idea of ​​moving to Spain makes you think of warm showers and more sun.

6.2 The Food we Miss

• Despite the variety in the United States, a good ajiaco or bandeja paisa is never forgotten.
• Visits to Hispanic supermarkets become weekly rituals of nostalgia and culinary survival.

6.3 Funny Everyday Interactions

• Ordering something at Starbucks and receiving an answer in incomprehensible English.
• Talking to neighbors who don’t understand your Colombian accent and ending up with «Fuck, this is too much.»

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7. Being an Immigrant is a Mix of Challenges

Being an immigrant is a mix of challenges, learning experiences, and hilarious moments. The political and economic situation in the United States makes us consider alternatives, such as moving to Spain, but it also reminds us of the strength we have to adapt and thrive wherever we are.

In the end, beyond country, language, or bureaucracy, the key is to maintain a sense of humor, learn from every experience, and lean on the Latino community. Because even if we go from «Good morning» to «Fuck off, damn it,» we’re still searching for a better life, a dream that can be American, European, or simply our own.

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Luigi Torres in the United States

If you’re a Colombian or Latino living in the United States, you’re not alone. The situation can be complicated, but with humor, adaptation, and support networks, every challenge becomes a learning opportunity. Whether you decide to stay, emigrate to Spain, or simply survive with cold water in the shower, the experience of being an immigrant transforms us and teaches us to value our identity and resilience.

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