Thousands of migrants in the United States - especially refugees and asylum seekers - find themselves in legal limbo following the decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to suspend permanent residency proceedings.

The Cuban immigration lawyer, Willy Allen, has addressed the impact of this measure and provided key guidance for those affected by this and other immigration barriers imposed by the current administration.

“At this moment, the residence for which they applied is already in a suspension process,” stated the lawyer in remarks to America Tevé, specifying that there are not that many Cubans applying for residency through refugee status, although there are for asylum, emphasizing that the measure particularly affects those who were already in the process and had met the requirements.

This suspension is part of a stricter immigration policy established during Donald Trump's administration.

Although it was not publicly announced, this is a direct implementation of two executive orders that instruct federal agencies to maximize controls and evaluations in all cases of legal status applications in the U.S.

What should those affected do?

In light of this situation, Allen recommends acting quickly, especially regarding work permits.

“Anyone who applied for residency should also have requested a work permit, which has a duration of two to five years. In fact, those who now need to renew their permits also have to expect delays in that process,” he pointed out.”

However, he warns that there are no immediate solutions: “Today, there isn't much one can do about the existing delays, because even federal lawsuits to prompt a decision on a case can take time.”

For this reason, his main advice is to stay calm: “At this moment, my recommendation is to take a deep breath, wait, and see how the situation unfolds.”

The humanitarian parole and the uncertainty for thousands of migrants

Another controversial measure that adds to the landscape is the revocation of humanitarian parole, a program that had benefited over half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Allen recalls that for Cubans, the Adjustment Act can be a legal pathway to regularize their situation and he stated that he believes those who arrived after April of last year should apply for residency when the time comes, despite the recent announcement of revocation.

"Each of the 26,000 Cubans who entered after April of last year... I am going to apply for their residency, I believe it should be applied for and that we should fight for it,” he emphasized.

What happens with the I-220A and I-220B documents?

Many of the affected Cubans entered the United States with a I-220A form, which indicates that the person was released on parole while awaiting the progress of their immigration process. This document does not confer formal legal status but allows for the application for asylum or other immigration benefits.

“The Cubans who have that document and do not yet have a cutoff date are not affected for now,” the lawyer explained.

In contrast, the I-220B -granted to individuals with deferred deportation orders- allows residency in the U.S. under stricter conditions, such as regular check-ins with ICE and employment limitations.

The lawyer also spoke out about the arrest of several Cubans with I-220A who were detained while attending their appointments with ICE.

“I believe they were detained to send a message, because they were arrested at the same time the CBP Home app was released, and I think the government wants to promote the idea that migrants should self-deport,” he said.

Allen questions these actions as part of an intimidation strategy: "That’s why at this moment they have given people with humanitarian parole 30 days to leave the U.S., to self-deport."

"I don't know how successful this project will be, but it's part of this administration's message, which is that they would like migrants here to self-deport," he added.

Family reunification, also stalled

The list of processes that are halted or in the revocation phase now includes family reunification.

Allen confirms that since January this process has also been suspended: “Those who entered with that family reunification parole, their residency is also delayed and under review.”

Conclusion: Resist, educate yourself, and take action

In this uncertain landscape, the voice of attorney Willy Allen resonates as a guide for thousands of migrants: to resist, to stay informed, and not to let frustration paralyze them.

As immigration policies continue to tighten and processes become stalled due to reviews and investigations, Allen insists on continuing the fight.

“I believe it should be applied and that we must fight for it,” he concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Suspension of Humanitarian Parole and Immigration Procedures in the U.S.