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Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar sent a message to Cubans with I-220A this Tuesday, stating that she spoke with high-ranking officials from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to whom she "earnestly" requested that they do not detain any more Cubans and allow their asylum cases to be heard.
"I am very aware of the detentions of Cubans with I-220A during their appointments in Miramar and I am thoroughly investigating what is happening," warned the Cuban-American congresswoman at the beginning of a warm message of support posted on X.
"Recently, I spoke with high-ranking officials from ICE and Homeland Security, and I strongly urged them not to detain Cubans with I-220A and to allow their asylum cases to be heard," he added.
María Elvira recalled that since the Biden Administration she has sought a solution for the Cubans who fall under that status, and emphasized that she will "not stop fighting as long as it is necessary."
"You can be assured that I will not give up on this fight and that I am pleading for you to grant the 'Parole in Place'", she added.
She emphasized that, although it didn’t happen with the Biden Administration, she feels “confident” that with the Trump Administration, a solution will be found.
"The only thing I ask is that you pray for me and for the efforts I am making. I assure you that I do not forget about you! Affectionately, María Elvira," she concluded.
Despite the optimistic message from the Republican congresswoman, the situation in recent days has been quite discouraging for Cuban migrants with I-220A.
On Monday, March 10, a group of five or six Cuban women - the identities of four of whom have become known - were detained at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Miramar after attending what they believed was a routine immigration appointment.
Since then, the affected families have been desperate due to the uncertainty surrounding the migratory fate of their loved ones.
That fear has spread to those Cubans who have scheduled check-up appointments during this time.
Nevertheless, various immigration lawyers have agreed that under no circumstances should one miss an appointment with ICE.
Willy Allen believes that Cuban-American congress members can resolve the issue of the I-220A
The Florida attorney Willy Allen, an expert in Immigration, believes that the three Cuban-American congressmen from Florida (María Elvira Salazar, Carlos Giménez, and Mario Díaz-Balart) can take immediate action to resolve the issue faced by Cubans with I-220A.
In Allen's opinion, "it's in their hands" to do something because he believes the I-220A solution is "administrative" and, in his view, depends on the "political will" of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the also Republican Kristi Noem.
"The Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to determine that the I-220A is a legal entry for the Cuban Adjustment and is based on previous laws and memorandums regarding the entry of Cubans, which require inspections and admission. They can determine this without any problem, but it must be an administrative decision, and Cuban-American representatives can exert some pressure for this to happen," Allen said during an interview on CiberCuba, referring to the tight voting in the House, which would make the three votes from Florida decisive.
However, the lawyer fears that the Secretary of Homeland Security will wait for the ruling of the judge who is reviewing a lawsuit regarding the I-220A, scheduled for October, before making a decision. And here, Allen emphasized, is where Cuban-American congress members can have an influence.
Despite previously criticizing María Elvira Salazar for proposing a law that would grant legal status to the I-220A, the lawyer acknowledged this Monday that she is the only one of the three Cuban-American congress members who continues to focus on the I-220A by announcing that she will present that proposal in Congress to grant them parole so they can benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of Cubans with I-220A and the role of María Elvira Salazar
What is the I-220A form and what does it mean for Cubans in the United States?
The I-220A form is a Order of Release on Recognizance granted to individuals detained by immigration authorities in the United States who must attend immigration hearings in court. This document does not provide clear immigration benefits, leaving Cubans in a state of legal uncertainty and risk of deportation.
What actions has Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar taken to assist Cubans with I-220A?
María Elvira Salazar has been actively defending Cubans with I-220A, calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to stop detaining more Cubans under this status and to hear their asylum cases. Additionally, she is working on a bill to grant them permanent legal status, although this proposal has been criticized by some experts who believe that the solution is administrative rather than legislative.
Why do some lawyers, like Willy Allen, criticize the bill proposed by María Elvira Salazar?
Willy Allen and other lawyers believe that a new bill is not necessary since the Cuban Adjustment Act already provides a pathway for the legalization of Cubans who have been inspected and admitted to the U.S. Allen argues that the solution should be administrative, urging the DHS to enforce the existing law.
What role do Cuban-American congress members play in solving the I-220A issue?
Cuban-American congress members, such as María Elvira Salazar, Carlos Giménez, and Mario Díaz-Balart, have the power to influence the DHS to administratively recognize the I-220A as a legal entry under the Cuban Adjustment Act. However, so far, they have not achieved a definitive solution, which has led to criticism of their effectiveness on this issue.
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