The immigration lawyer, Willy Allen, delved into the impact that the decision by the Donald Trump administration to indefinitely suspend the processing of immigration applications for beneficiaries of humanitarian parole and other immigration programs will have.
Allen estimated that more than 800 thousand people were affected, as this includes the 531 thousand who entered through parole (of which 110 thousand are Cubans), 240 thousand Ukrainians, and also a smaller number who entered through family parole.
Questioned by the journalist from Univision, Daniel Benítez, about the current situation for a Cuban who entered through humanitarian parole, applied for his residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act after a year and a day, and still has not received it, Allen responded that there is nothing left to do but “wait for them to process it.”
The lawyer indicated that even before, “the residency process had been greatly delayed,” and questioned whether the recent suspension truly suggests that they will investigate the processes of nearly “a million people.”
“For me, this suspension fulfills something that is very important to me in this Administration: To instill fear, panic, and confusion”, asserted the lawyer.
Allen urges those Cubans who applied and are waiting for their residency to continue their lives normally until they see how events unfold.
However, he pointed out that the worst-case scenario is for those beneficiaries of parole whose work permits expire during this period of frozen applications, because this could mean that they lose their jobs.
"That is the big problem; that’s where the panic comes in. Some people will have to face a period when they will have neither work permits nor driver’s licenses," he stated.
"We can't change that; they also won't apply for asylum now because that won't give them more protection than what they already have with the residency applied," he added.
When asked whether the current process affects the beneficiaries of humanitarian parole who have already been granted residency, Allen was cautious, considering the unpredictability of the current Administration.
“In my opinion, it doesn't affect them, but if they believe it was not a legal entry, who knows what could happen,” he stated.
Regarding the individuals who entered through CBP One, Wilfredo Allen specified that CBP One is not included in the suspension, and noted that it is largely because most of the people who entered through that route already have an ongoing court process.
However, things get complicated for Cubans who entered through CBP One, because they do not apply for asylum since they have the option to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act with the parole they were granted after crossing the border.
“It affects them from the standpoint that it has been determined that it was an illegal entry due to a parole that they should not have granted, so I imagine that, from that perspective, the residency of Cubans through CBP One may be delayed,” he stated.
“The others from CBP One are in court; they have to present and fight for their asylum,” he said, referring to other nationalities.
Wilfredo Allen says that, as a lawyer, he will continue to submit applications under the Cuban Adjustment Act, because "The Cuban Adjustment is a separate law."
"In my opinion, this process they are currently undertaking is filled with fear and confusion, and at the end of the day, Cubans and those who have entered in this way will be able to achieve the benefit they are seeking,” she said in an optimistic conclusion.
However, it acknowledges that it will be inevitable for some to remain in a state of limbo for a while regarding work permits that expire in the current situation.
This is compounded by the unpredictability of the current administration, which generally exhibits a hostile attitude towards immigration.
Indefinite suspension of humanitarian parole cases and family reunification
The recent decision by the Donald Trump administration to indefinitely suspend the processing of immigration applications for immigrants benefiting from humanitarian parole has taken thousands of Cubans by surprise and generated deep concern who trusted this program to regularize their status in the U.S.
Previously, in statements to CaféFuerte, Allen had described the announcement as a "worrisome decision."
"The processes will now be much slower", said the lawyer in other statements to Martí Noticias, in which he emphasized the paralyzing effect that the measure will have on the processing of immigration benefits.
Allen also recalled that "the Adjustment Act is a separate law from immigration laws and only requires an inspection and legal entry"; but he noted that "it is very likely that more arguments will need to be provided in the future."
"This does not mean that one cannot apply for benefits, but rather that while the programs are under review, cases will continue to accumulate," he concluded.
According to an internal memorandum from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the order halts all immigrant applications that entered the U.S. through the humanitarian parole and family reunification programs.
The document, signed by Andrew Davidson, Acting Director of USCIS, establishes a “administrative pause on all pending benefit applications” for immigrants admitted under these programs. The information was revealed by the CBS News network and confirmed by anonymous government sources.
The memorandum details that the halt of applications is due to “concerns about fraud and security”, and will remain in effect indefinitely while procedures are reviewed.
The measure will affect around one million immigrants who were awaiting the regularization of their status, including those who were in the process of obtaining permanent residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Suspension of Procedures for Beneficiaries of Humanitarian Parole
How many people are impacted by the suspension of humanitarian parole?
The suspension of humanitarian parole affects more than 800,000 people, including 531,000 who entered through the program, 240,000 Ukrainians, and a smaller number of individuals from Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. This measure has raised concerns among migrants who were hoping to regularize their status in the U.S.
What are the consequences for Cubans of the suspension of humanitarian parole?
For Cubans, the suspension of humanitarian parole could mean a delay in obtaining residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Moreover, those whose work permits expire during the suspension may face employment difficulties as they will not be able to renew their work permits or obtain driver's licenses.
How does the suspension affect the beneficiaries of CBP One?
The beneficiaries of CBP One are not directly included in the suspension, but Cubans who entered through this program may experience delays in their residency because it has been determined that their entry was illegal. However, those who have ongoing court processes must continue to fight for their asylum.
What does lawyer Willy Allen recommend to the Cubans affected by the suspension?
The lawyer Willy Allen advises Cubans affected by the suspension to continue with their lives normally while the situation is being resolved, and not to apply for asylum now as it would not offer them more protection than what they already have with their applied residency.
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