A Cuban couple living in Miami decided to self-deport and return to Cuba out of fear of being sent to the Guantanamo Naval Base and being unable to obtain residency in the United States.
Both of them, who had an I-220A, left Miami International Airport with only their Cuban passport, hoping that by obtaining permanent residence from the island, they could later return to the U.S.
However, this decision has been described as a "terrible mistake" by a lawyer, who warns that leaving the country without a valid immigration permit means abandoning any pending asylum case.
The journalist Javier Díaz shared this story on Facebook, issuing a warning to the Cuban community about the serious consequences of this type of decision.
In his report, the interviewed lawyer explained that anyone with an open asylum case or who has applied for the Cuban Adjustment Act and decides to leave the U.S. is self-deporting and loses any possibility of obtaining residency or returning legally.
Díaz emphasized that there is no possibility of obtaining residency from Cuba and that those Cubans who feel fear or uncertainty regarding their immigration status should gather information before making hasty decisions that could jeopardize their future in the United States.
According to the news portal News 360, the Cuban couple had lived in Miami for over three years, managing to integrate into the community and work hard while trying to regularize their immigration status.
However, the uncertainty and fear of deportation led them to make the difficult decision to return to Cuba, despite the fact that economic conditions on the island remain uncertain.
The publication details that, in tears and with a heavy heart, the two Cubans departed, leaving behind the dream of a stable life in the United States.
Although they hope that in the future they will find a new opportunity to return and rebuild their lives, immigration experts warn that by leaving voluntarily without a valid permit, they have lost any chance of obtaining residency or returning to the country legally.
The story has raised concerns in the Cuban community in the U.S., where many immigrants with I-220A face the same uncertainty and fear that stricter immigration measures could affect their stay in the country.
However, this is not the only case. Hundreds of thousands of Cubans in the United States find themselves in a migratory limbo and fear being deported following changes in immigration policy announced by the Donald Trump administration, reported Martí Noticias.
Many of them have lived in the country for years with the hope of regularizing their status, but now they face an uncertain situation that has raised concerns within the migrant community.
One of these cases is that of Yunior Luis Pino Pérez, a Cuban activist who left the island following the protests on July 11, 2021, and who, after crossing the border through Mexico, received an I-220A.
Since arriving in Miami, he applied for political asylum and this year he will have to appear before an immigration court for his second hearing to defend his case.
Pino Pérez asserts that he cannot return to Cuba, as he fears reprisals for his activism and recalls that he was blackmailed and forced into exile.
Despite the historical immigration benefits that Cubans have received in the U.S., the current situation regarding the I-220A remains without a clear response.
For years, Cubans who reached U.S. soil could benefit from the "Wet Foot, Dry Foot" policy, which was eliminated in 2017, while the Cuban Adjustment Act still allows eligible individuals to apply for permanent residency.
However, the awarding of the I-220A has been inconsistent, as many families that entered together received different immigration statuses, leaving some with parole and others with an order of supervised release, without a clear path to residency.
The administration of Donald Trump is in the preparation phase to revoke the legal status of thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who entered the United States legally under the administration of former President Joe Biden.
Among those affected is a Cuban who sponsored six relatives under this program and now fears they may be deported to Cuba, amid the uncertainty caused by these changes in U.S. immigration policy.
The journalist Javier Díaz shared on Instagram the story of Robert, a Cuban who declared himself a staunch Republican voter and supporter of Donald Trump in the elections.
On the other hand, the United States announced on Tuesday the launch of the first flight with migrants arrested on U.S. soil to the detention center located at the Guantanamo Military Base in Cuba.
"President Trump doesn't waste any time," said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt in a statement to Fox News.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Immigration Status of Cubans with I-220A in the United States
What is the I-220A form and how does it affect Cubans in the U.S.?
The I-220A is a supervised release permit that allows Cubans to remain in the U.S. while their immigration status is determined. However, it is not recognized as an official admission document, leaving beneficiaries in a legal limbo with no access to permanent residency.
Why do some Cubans choose to self-deport to Cuba?
Some Cubans, like the couple mentioned in the news, decide to self-deport out of fear of deportation to Guantánamo and the uncertainty regarding their immigration status. However, this decision is seen as a "terrible mistake" because it means abandoning any pending asylum case and losing the chance to obtain residency in the U.S.
What role does the Cuban Adjustment Act play for Cubans with an I-220A?
The Cuban Adjustment Act allows Cubans to apply for permanent residency after one year in the U.S., but those with I-220A face uncertainties because this form is not recognized as an official admission, complicating the status adjustment process.
How can Cubans with I-220A improve their immigration status?
It is crucial for Cubans with I-220A to consult with an immigration attorney to understand their situation and explore legal options. Keeping all documents up to date and attending all immigration appointments is vital to avoid complications.
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