The Republican congresswoman from Florida, María Elvira Salazar, held an interview with the influencer Alexander Otaola on the program El Mañanero, broadcast on YouTube, where they discussed the situation of Cubans who have entered the United States under the immigration form I-220A and the future of Cuba.
During the meeting, which included breakfast and informal conversation, Otaola took a firm stance by considering that Cubans with I-220A should be expelled from Miami.
In their view, this resource has been used by individuals with ties to the regime, who seek to establish themselves in the United States without deserving immigration benefits. In their opinion, the fair solution would be a widespread expulsion.
María Elvira took a more conciliatory stance.
“I am a member of the Trump group, but I do not believe that Venezuelans should lose TPS or the legality of cases with I-220A. Cubans have the Cuban Adjustment Act which allows them to obtain their citizenship. Why would that privilege be taken away from them?” he asked.
"We must carefully consider to whom the benefit is given because the righteous should not have to pay for the sins of the wicked. To verify each case, there is ICE, which during the Trump administration we allocated 150 billion dollars to,” stated the congresswoman.
However, he acknowledged and lamented that ICE's controls on immigrants are not functioning effectively.
“Now we are like the pendulum, because we went from Biden's chaos to the other extreme. I want everyone to understand that Biden is the main culprit for leaving the disaster at the border for four years."
He also pointed out that "the United States has the technical and financial capacity to review each case and prevent Cubans with I-220A, who are good people, professionals coming to contribute to this country, from losing their legal status."
Salazar concluded by stating: "I don't believe that most of those who entered are bad", clearly referring to the Cuban migrants granted this I-220A immigration status.
Both Otaola and the congresswoman agreed in pointing to the Biden administration as the main responsible party for the current migration crisis in the United States, due to the open border policies that, in their view, allowed the entry of criminals and drug trafficking organizations into the country.
Specifically regarding the future of Cuba, Otaola asked the congresswoman if she believes that after Maduro's fall, the end of the Cuban dictatorship will truly come.
"I believe that under the administration of President Trump, which still has three years to go, this hemisphere will be liberated," Maria Elvira replied.
"When the dictatorship falls, the great challenge will be for all Cubans, both those on the inside and those on the outside, to establish a stable political and economic system, to create a legal framework and a model that attracts foreign investment and allows the world to cooperate in the reconstruction of the country," he expressed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Cubans with I-220A in the United States
What is the I-220A form and what is its importance for Cubans in the U.S.?
The I-220A form is a "release on parole" order issued by U.S. immigration authorities that allows certain migrants, including thousands of Cubans, to remain in the country while their immigration status is resolved. However, this status does not guarantee a clear path to permanent residency, creating a legal limbo for many of its holders and preventing them from benefiting from the Cuban Adjustment Act.
What is María Elvira Salazar's stance on Cubans with I-220A?
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has expressed a strong commitment to Cubans with I-220A status. She advocates for these migrants to receive the parole that would allow them to benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act to obtain permanent residency. Salazar has criticized the lack of effective oversight by immigration authorities and has attributed part of the migratory crisis to the open policies of the Biden administration.
What impact do current immigration policies have on the U.S. economy?
According to Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, the recent immigration measures are negatively impacting the economy of the U.S., particularly in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and agriculture, which heavily rely on immigrant labor. The loss of these workers due to mass deportations is causing an economic slowdown, as acknowledged by Jerome Powell, the chairman of the Federal Reserve.
What legislative solutions are proposed for Cubans with I-220A?
María Elvira Salazar is promoting initiatives for Cubans with I-220A to obtain a parole that would allow them to benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act. She is also advocating for the Dignity Act, which seeks a broader immigration reform. However, this proposal has faced criticism and encounters hurdles in its approval, leaving many immigrants in an uncertain situation.
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