As you may know, in the last few hours, the revocation of humanitarian parole for more than half a million beneficiaries from various countries, including Cubans, was announced. This decision joins other "tough on crime" measures adopted by the current Republican administration. In the following article, we help clarify many of the questions you may have right now regarding the scope of the decisions made by Donald Trump, to avoid being deported from the United States.
As expected, after the latest news, the Cuban community in the United States has been plunged into great uncertainty. Especially after the announcement by the Donald Trump administration regarding the revocation of humanitarian parole. And it's no wonder. Tens of thousands of people who arrived in the United States under this program are now wondering what they can do to avoid being in an irregular situation. Or, worse, being deported to Cuba.
Pues bien, te comento que aunque la noticia ha generado miedo y confusión, existen salidas legales viables, especialmente para los cubanos. A continuación intentaremos informarte y calmarte un poco. Te ayudaremos además a hacer lo más correcto según tu caso puntual.
La fecha clave: 24 de abril
First of all, you should know that the measure will take effect in one month. In other words, the revocation of parole is not immediate. It will come into force on April 24. Until that day, those who have it remain under valid immigration protection. This time frame is crucial for making legal decisions that allow maintaining a stable immigration status.
It's not about running away or thinking you have to leave the country in 30 days, as some headlines have suggested. It's about acting smart and well-informed. No impulsiveness.
The Cubans are in a better situation
Undoubtedly, this is a negative news, we will not hide it, and the new circumstances require action in many cases. But let's analyze calmly.
The official document issued by the government states that parole beneficiaries can continue applying for any other legal benefits they are entitled to. This is where Cubans have an advantage over citizens of other countries. Due to the Cuban Adjustment Act, in effect since the 1960s, which Trump cannot eliminate.
The Cuban Adjustment Act remains in effect. This legal instrument allows Cubans who have legally resided in the United States for at least one year and one day to apply for permanent residency. Although parole is close to being eliminated, it still remains a valid basis to qualify under this law if the applicant meets the required time.
Have you ever heard of Cubans entering the United States through an airport and after waitingescondidosA year and a day, you could apply for residency or a green card? Well, that's what it's about. If you entered the United States legally, after a year and a day, you can qualify under the Adjustment Law.
Now, let's focus on the word "hidden." Before, people used to say that it should be hidden or under the radar during that time, and what they meant was that it shouldn't be stopped by police or immigration authorities, not drawing attention, etc. But in this case, the situation is different, because those who entered with parole have permission to work, and they can't afford to be hidden, especially at a time when ICE raids, arrests, or deportations are being discussed. It becomes crucial here to apply for political asylum so that you are not unprotected, while waiting for the year and a day to qualify for the Adjustment Law. We will delve deeper into this issue later.
What happens if you haven't applied for the Cuban Adjustment Act yet?
If you already have one year and one day with parole and have not applied for the Cuban Adjustment Act, now is the time to do so. What are you waiting for? Lawyers recommend not delaying. If the parole expires without you having applied for any other benefit, you will be in an irregular status.
Si se te cumple el año y un día muy pronto, digamos en solo una semana, pues cálmate, recuerda que el parole no queda revocado hasta el 24 de abril. pero si te faltan 2, 3 o 4 meses para cumplir tu año, pues el consejo es que apliques al asilo, para que puedas estar totalmente en calma.
Here, both affirmative and defensive asylum allow for immigration protection in the event of an eventual deportation process. In the case of Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans, attorneys believe there are solid arguments to apply even outside the one-year deadline from entry.
Why? Because it could be argued that many did not apply earlier precisely because they had humanitarian parole. That reason may be valid before an immigration judge.
¿Y si entraste por CBP-1 o tienes un I-220A?
Similarly, those who entered through CBP-1 can also apply for asylum. Although this program is not a formal parole, many lawyers consider that it is best to have an active asylum application in any case, as a form of support.
En cuanto al formulario I-220A, quienes lo tienen deben actuar con cautela. La recomendación es la misma: presentar un asilo lo antes posible. No hacerlo puede derivar en problemas legales más adelante.
¿Se puede renovar el parole?
Sí, el documento oficial deja abierta la posibilidad de renovación del parole de forma individual, caso por caso. Eso significa que no todos los casos serán rechazados automáticamente, pero tampoco hay garantías. Dependerá de factores personales, legales y del criterio de las autoridades migratorias.
Work permits: what you need to know
El permiso de trabajo obtenido gracias al parole sigue siendo válido mientras esté vigente. Una vez se revoque el parole, es posible que ese permiso pueda verse afectado, aunque los expertos aseguran que no es algo automático. En muchos casos, las autoridades no priorizan revisar estos detalles si el solicitante ya está en proceso de ajustar su estatus o de solicitar asilo. ¿Queda revocado con el parole? Sí. Pero es muy extraño que alguien revise eso, pues el permiso se suele conceder por un tiempo determinado, y si ya aplicaste a la Ley de Ajuste y tienes tu comprobante, pues ahí tienes la garantía para un permiso de trabajo.
Si ya solicitaste el permiso junto con la Ley de Ajuste Cubano o el asilo, puedes continuar con ese proceso. Es una vía que puede ofrecerte protección legal y acceso a empleo mientras se resuelve tu situación.
And if I have residence? Can I travel?
Si tienes residencia permanente y ya cerraste tu caso de asilo, puedes salir del país sin problemas. Eso sí, debes tener cuidado si decides viajar a Cuba. No solo por la dificil situación de Cuba ahora mismo, sino porque aunque se trata de un borador solamente, ya se sabe que el gobierno de Trump busca impedir la entrada decubanos a Estados Unidos, y no se sabe qué tan estricta o abarcadora sea la medida.
There are also reports of Cuban residents who were unable to return due to medical or bureaucratic reasons. Additionally, the U.S. government recommends not staying in hotels controlled by the Armed Forces or the Cuban regime, as many are sanctioned.
Otras dudas puntuales
—What happens if I apply under the Adjustment Law now and have a court date in December?
As long as the parole is valid, you can apply. But if you don't have an active asylum application, there is always some level of risk.
—¿Puedo regresar a Cuba si entré por reunificación familiar?
Sí. Esa entrada no tiene relación con una solicitud de refugio. En principio, puedes viajar sin complicaciones. Pero recuerda que hay planes de bloquear la entrada a cubanos y no sabemos el alcance de la medida.
—¿Cómo puedo protegerme ante esta situación?
The clearest recommendation is to apply for asylum. It is the safest way to maintain immigration protection once the parole loses validity.
—Should I apply for asylum if I have 2 months left to apply under the Adjustment Act?
If you want to be completely calm, the best thing is to do it. Although you're not far off, you avoid being stopped on the street and being irregular.
—If I entered with parole and have already applied for residency under the Adjustment Act, am I at risk?
If you have already applied and have the proof of your application, you are not in danger. It is important to have that proof at least for safekeeping.
We reiterate…
This new measure is not good news, but it is not an imminent catastrophe either if you know how to act. Cubans still have legal tools available. The important thing is to act before April 24, seek reliable advice, and not be swayed by the misinformation circulating on social media.
With a clear strategy, it is still possible to maintain migratory stability and continue building a future within the United States. We invite you to share this article with your family and friends so they can stay calm, and to contact us if they have any questions.
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