The Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday, requesting the protection of migrants from the island who benefited from the Humanitarian Parole program and are in the process of regularization under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Salazar, a representative from Florida, requests that they not be deported while they await the completion of their immigration process.
In her letter, the Cuban-American congresswoman urges the DHS to allow Cubans who entered the U.S. under the 30,000 visa program to continue their political asylum process and be eligible for status adjustment under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
It also extended the request to Venezuelans who have pending procedures and should not be deported while awaiting the resolution of their case.
"I asked the Department of Homeland Security to protect Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, and Haitians without criminal records who are in the asylum process. Don't punish them for Biden's mistakes!" Salazar stated in a message posted on X.
He also urged for the protection of these migrant groups, stating that political decisions and changes in immigration regulations should not harm those who are already in a legal process to regularize their status.
This request from María Elvira Salazar arises in a context of increasing tension regarding immigration policies, particularly after President Donald Trump granted new authorities to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport immigrants with temporary permits under programs such as Parole and CBP One, implemented during the Biden administration.
A memorandum from the Department of Homeland Security revealed in January 2025 grants ICE greater authority to deport beneficiaries of these programs—eliminated by Trump from the very beginning of his term—even if they still have pending applications.
These measures, which would impact more than 1.46 million immigrants who arrived under these programs since 2023, have faced criticism and legal challenges from organizations advocating for immigrant rights, arguing that these actions violate constitutional rights and due process.
Frequently Asked Questions about María Elvira Salazar's Request to Protect Cuban Migrants and Others
What did María Elvira Salazar request from the Department of Homeland Security regarding Cuban migrants?
María Elvira Salazar requested the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) not to deport Cuban migrants who are in the process of regularization under the Cuban Adjustment Act, as well as Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, and Haitians without criminal records who are in the asylum process.
Why does María Elvira Salazar consider it necessary to protect these migrants?
The congresswoman Salazar argues that changes in immigration regulations and political decisions should not harm those who are already in a legal process to regularize their status, and that these groups should not be punished for the immigration policies of the Biden administration.
What immigration programs are at risk of being eliminated by the Trump administration?
The humanitarian parole programs and CBP One, implemented during the Biden administration, are at risk of being eliminated by the Trump administration, which has granted new powers to ICE to deport beneficiaries of these programs.
What impact do ICE actions have on immigrants with temporary permits?
The ICE can revoke temporary permits and proceed to deport beneficiaries, even if they have not exhausted their legal stay or have open cases in immigration courts, which affects more than 1.46 million people.
What options do Cubans have under the Cuban Adjustment Act?
Cubans who have legally entered the U.S. under humanitarian parole can benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows them to apply for permanent residency after one year and one day on U.S. soil.
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