Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar celebrated the release of eight young Cuban women who had been detained in March by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite having the I-220A form, a document that granted them supervised release while their immigration processes were underway.
“ALL FREED! The young women with I-220A who were detained in March and whose families contacted me are now free. I will not stop until I achieve parole in place for everyone!” Salazar wrote this Tuesday on his official X account (formerly Twitter), reaffirming his commitment to the Cuban migrant community.
The eight women had been arrested during routine appointments with ICE, which sparked a wave of concern and indignation among thousands of Cuban migrants with the same status, and prompted relatives of those detained to visit Salazar's office seeking assistance.
The congresswoman stated that she maintained direct communication with ICE during the process and thanked the immigration authorities for addressing the case.
One of the most well-known names in this group was that of Yadira Cantallops, mother of a minor U.S. citizen, who was detained for more than a month in a detention center in California before being released on bail.
The arrests took place amid rising tension between the Cuban community and the immigration policies implemented by the Donald Trump administration, leading to criticism of Salazar from some emigrants.
However, his recent intervention has been seen as a significant effort to halt the detentions of Cubans with I-220A and seek a definitive solution to their legal situation.
"I receive this good news with relief, but I do not forget those who remain detained nor the thousands trapped in a legal limbo. My struggle does not end until they obtain the parole they deserve!", Salazar stated.
Currently, the congresswoman is promoting a legislative proposal to recognize the I-220A as a valid legal entry under the Cuban Adjustment Act, thus allowing thousands of Cubans to adjust their immigration status.
However, immigration lawyer Willy Allen has attacked that initiative, arguing, "There is no need to introduce any bill. The law already exists, and it is the Cuban Adjustment Act. That congresswoman is mocking us when she says she is going to propose the law. She cannot propose anything. It is disrespectful. She is just talking nonsense."
"If she really wanted to do something, she would pressure her friend, the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) secretary, to say that the Cuban Adjustment Act applies to the I-220 A Cubans because they were inspected and admitted," she emphasized.
In the opinion of the prestigious lawyer from Florida, we are facing an administrative issue. "Instead of discussing a new law superficially, argue with your government that what needs to be done is to administratively apply what already exists," he concluded.
However, Salazar claims that he has been working with lawyers and activists who are preparing collective legal actions to protect those who are still at risk of detention.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Release of Cuban Women with I-220A and the Role of María Elvira Salazar
What is the I-220A form and what is its importance for Cuban migrants?
The I-220A form is known as a "request for parole" and is a document issued by U.S. immigration authorities that allows certain migrants to remain in the country while their immigration status is being resolved. This document does not grant clear immigration benefits, leaving many Cubans in legal limbo. Its importance lies in the fact that, while it permits stay in the U.S., it does not facilitate access to permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act, which has created uncertainty among Cuban migrants.
Why were the Cuban women with I-220A detained and how was their release achieved?
The detentions of Cuban women with I-220A occurred during their routine appointments with ICE, raising concern among the migrant community. The release was made possible thanks to the intervention of Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, who maintained direct communication with ICE and advocated for their release. Her commitment to Cuban migrants and the pressure exerted by the community were crucial for the positive outcome.
What measures is María Elvira Salazar taking to assist Cubans with I-220A?
María Elvira Salazar is promoting a bill to regularize the status of Cubans with I-220A, allowing them to obtain permanent legal status in the United States. Additionally, she has collaborated with lawyers and activists on collective legal actions to protect migrants at risk of detention. Her focus is to have the I-220A recognized as a valid legal entry under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
What is lawyer Willy Allen's criticism of María Elvira Salazar's proposal?
The immigration attorney Willy Allen has criticized María Elvira Salazar's initiative, arguing that there is no need to introduce a new bill since the existing Cuban Adjustment Act could be applied to Cubans with I-220A. According to Allen, the solution is administrative and relies on the political will to enforce the current laws in these cases.
Filed under:
