The Cuban TikTok user @ely9410 posted a video in which she describes her most recent appointment with ICE in the city of Tampa, Florida. Her goal, as she explains, is to provide reassurance to others who are in the same immigration situation under form I220-A. “I want to share my experience with those who are in my shoes, so they don't have to go through the same challenges, no matter how difficult it may be,” she said at the beginning of her testimony.
Ely explained that she entered the United States in 2022 and that, after having a first appointment with ICE, she was summoned again for December 2024. However, she arrived late to that second appointment. The officer on duty informed her that she needed to reschedule it, which she did for June 10, 2025. “With everything that is happening with deportations, I was nervous, I was afraid that the worst would happen to me,” she confessed.
That day, filled with anxiety and uncertainty, she arrived alone at the ICE office at 1:00 p.m., a time that felt unusual to her since most appointments are usually scheduled in the morning. “There wasn’t a single person in the office; I thought the worst,” she recounted. However, she was kindly attended to by the agents. They asked her only for her passport, the appointment confirmation, and her address. After waiting a few minutes, they informed her that she had been assigned a cut-off date for 2027. “Thank God, I left there feeling calm.”
The video has sparked a wave of reactions among Cuban migrants going through similar processes. Many commented that they also have pending appointments, dates set for 2026 or 2027, or that they have applied for residency even with an open case. Others expressed gratitude to Ely for providing “hope” and “courage” by sharing her experience amidst so much uncertainty on social media regarding raids and detentions.
Ely took the opportunity to send a message to those under I220-A who have already requested political asylum. "Don't be afraid. If you are doing things right, if you have no criminal record, if your papers are in order, everything will be fine. This is our year. You will see that they will grant us residency." He also emphasized that the immigration situation should not be a reason to give up. "Do things the right way. If we don’t fight for this, everything we have gone through will have been for nothing."
At the end of her video, Ely thanked the United States for offering her more than her homeland did, and made it clear that, although the process is difficult, it is worth it. "If I were to be deported, I would leave feeling grateful. Because this country has given me more than the country where I was born. The blame for what we are going through is not Trump’s; it lies with Díaz-Canel." Her testimony has served as a balm of encouragement for many Cubans in exile, who see in her experience a beacon of hope amid so much uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions about the I-220A Immigration Process and the Experiences of Cuban Migrants with ICE
What is the I-220A form and what does it imply for Cuban migrants in the U.S.?
The I-220A form, known as "Order of Supervised Release," allows for the release of individuals from federal custody under certain conditions. This includes the obligation to appear at immigration hearings and not to violate local or federal laws. However, this status is not regarded as an official admission into the country nor does it confer immigration benefits, leaving beneficiaries in a state of legal uncertainty.
How was Ely's experience at their appointment with ICE in Tampa?
Ely, a Cuban migrant, shared her experience on TikTok about her appointment with ICE in Tampa, Florida. Despite her nervousness about the possibility of deportation, she was kindly attended to and was assigned a court date for 2027. Her story has served as a message of hope for other migrants in similar situations.
What recommendations did Ely give to other migrants with I-220A?
Ely recommended not to be afraid and to keep doing things right, without having a criminal record and keeping your documents in order. He also emphasized the importance of fighting for your rights and not giving up, as he believes this year will be favorable for obtaining residency.
What happens if a migrant with an I-220A fails to attend a rescheduled hearing?
If a migrant with I-220A fails to attend a rescheduled hearing, an automatic order of deportation in absentia may be issued. It is crucial for migrants to keep their address updated with the court and to attend all scheduled appointments to avoid further complications.
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