A new billboard installed at the intersection of 167 and Palmetto in Hialeah responds to the one recently placed against Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the three Cuban-American congressmen.
The initiative would have been funded by more than 180 Cubans with I-220A immigration status.
This is a direct response to another billboard placed days earlier by a Democratic organization, which accused Marco Rubio, María Elvira Salazar, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Carlos Giménez of being "traitors to immigrants."
“We feel indignation. We responded with the truth: the real traitors are those communist regimes that forced us to flee our countries”, stated Lianet Pérez, one of the promoters of the new campaign, in an interview with Telemundo 51.
The sign that sparked the controversy was part of a campaign urging Republican legislators to protect Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of immigrants.
However, Cubans with I-220A—a status that does not grant work permission or a path to residency—claim that this campaign does not represent them.
“We are very grateful to those congressmen. They have raised their voices for us from the beginning”, he pointed out.
The group aims to bring attention to the immigration situation of those living in a legal limbo, without access to benefits or solid immigration protections.
They affirm that their action is not driven by partisan interests, but rather by a recognition of those they consider allies in their struggle.
"My life is not what I wish it to be... but it is not a wasted time. It is time to fight for our legalization and for the freedom of Cuba," expressed Yoslaine González, also under the I-220A status, to the mentioned outlet.
The organizers have already established communication with the offices of the mentioned congress members and have announced a rally in front of the Capitol on April 25th at 9:00 a.m., where they will continue to demand a legal solution for their cases.
Both billboards remain visible at different points in Miami-Dade County, in what some are already calling "the billboard war."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Billboard Controversy in Hialeah
What message does the new billboard in Hialeah contain?
The new billboard in Hialeah displays the faces of Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, Miguel Díaz-Canel, Nicolás Maduro, Hugo Chávez, and Daniel Ortega, along with the message "The real traitors – To their people. To freedom. To human rights."
What is the purpose of the billboard in Hialeah?
The banner is a direct response to another one previously placed by a democratic organization, which accused Cuban-American politicians of being "traitors to immigrants." The new banner aims to highlight the leaders of communist regimes as the real traitors.
Who financed the new billboard in Hialeah?
The fence was funded by more than 180 Cubans who hold the I-220A immigration status. These individuals seek to raise awareness of their immigration situation and express their gratitude towards the Cuban-American congress members they consider allies in their struggle.
What is the I-220A immigration status?
The I-220A status is a migratory condition that does not grant work permission or a path to permanent residency. Cubans with this status live in legal limbo and lack access to solid immigration benefits and protections.
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