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Dozens of Cubans criticized the Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar after the Department of Homeland Security's decision to revoke humanitarian parole for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, a measure that leaves them vulnerable and at risk of expedited deportation.
Salazar, who has promised to advocate for Cubans at risk of deportation and has been active in defending Cubans with I-220A, urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to stop detaining more migrants under this status, has faced criticism on her social media from individuals accusing her of abandoning innocent people who contribute with their taxes and work honestly.
"Are you going to allow the deportation of innocent Cubans and Venezuelans who pay taxes and work honorably?" asked a forum user on the social network Instagram, where the congresswoman posted a photo on Friday of herself enjoying a coffee with milk and eating a toast, to start the day in a "Cuban way."
Others also reminded him that the Florida Cuban community has supported and trusted him, which is why they said: "You should support your Cubans who have trusted you so much. Massive deportations are coming for people who entered with Parole and individuals with I220 A."
A internet user, one of your admirers, expressed feeling betrayed by the Republican Party and stated: "Cubans have always been known for voting Republican, I voted for Trump, I didn't expect him to betray my people."
Although the congresswoman requested this Saturday for an "opportunity" for beneficiaries of humanitarian parole to access "the protections that were promised to them," she blamed the Biden Administration for the "legal limbo" they are currently facing.
Trump is correcting the migration disaster left by Biden. There is no doubt: the legal limbo that Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans face today is a direct consequence of the empty promises of the Biden administration," he stated in a message on X published first in English and then in Spanish.
Salazar was the first of the three Cuban-American congress members to speak out against the revocation of immigration benefits for Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, and Haitians.
However, several internet users expressed skepticism regarding the possibility that Donald Trump would promote a solution like the one proposed by María Elvira for parole beneficiaries.
Others also referred to the root of the migration problem and criticized Washington for focusing solely on deportations without addressing the structural causes, namely, the political crisis in Latin America.
Cubans in Uncertainty
Thousands of Cuban beneficiaries of humanitarian parole have been left worried since the announcement this Friday of the revocation of this immigration benefit within a period of 30 days, which will count from the official announcement of the measure, expected this Tuesday.
The decision affects individuals who still have a valid parole and have not applied for a immigration benefit or do not have a clearly defined immigration status.
It is estimated that around 26,000 Cubans would be left unprotected. This number—according to a calculation made by journalist Wilfredo Cancio for Café Fuerte—would encompass island citizens who entered U.S. territory after March 2024, as detailed by the aforementioned source.
Those Cubans do not yet meet the requirement of one year and one day of residency in the U.S., which is necessary to benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Revocation of Humanitarian Parole and Criticisms of María Elvira Salazar
Why has María Elvira Salazar been criticized in relation to the revocation of humanitarian parole?
María Elvira Salazar has been criticized for allegedly failing to adequately protect Cubans and Venezuelans, who are now at risk of deportation following the revocation of humanitarian parole by the Department of Homeland Security of the United States. Her critics claim that innocent individuals, who contribute through their taxes and work honestly, are being abandoned.
What actions has María Elvira Salazar taken to help Cubans affected by the revocation of humanitarian parole?
María Elvira Salazar has requested that the Department of Homeland Security refrain from detaining more Cubans under the I-220A status. Additionally, she has called for a "chance" for beneficiaries of humanitarian parole to access the promised protections and has blamed the Biden Administration for the "legal limbo" that these migrants face.
How many Cubans would be affected by the revocation of humanitarian parole?
It is estimated that about 26,000 Cubans would be left unprotected due to the revocation of humanitarian parole, according to calculations by journalist Wilfredo Cancio. These are Cubans who entered the United States after March 2024 and do not yet meet the requirement of one year and one day of residence in the U.S., necessary to qualify for the Cuban Adjustment Act.
What have internet users said about the performance of María Elvira Salazar and the Republican Party?
Some internet users have expressed their dissatisfaction with María Elvira Salazar, accusing her of betraying the Cubans who trusted her. A supporter of Salazar stated that he feels betrayed by the Republican Party, claiming that Cubans have always voted for Republicans and that he did not expect this reaction from Trump and his party.
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