“Finally, some good news. We continue to pray for more doors to open for us.” With these words, Carlos Yuniel Valle shared on his Facebook profile the news that the "immediate family" status for his wife, the Cuban Heydi Sánchez Tejeda, has finally been approved, after she was deported from the United States over a month ago.
The information was reported by the channel Telemundo, which followed up on the couple's case, who had begun the process of applying for the IR-1 visa — for immediate family members — more than two years ago, but Heydi was repatriated to Cuba without the opportunity to complete the procedure after attending an immigration appointment in Tampa.
Recently, Carlos attended a new immigration appointment in Tampa, where he received the news they had been hoping for.
"Today I had the interview regarding Heidi's claim, and they accepted me; they accepted the claim, thank God," he said, moved.
“Soon we will send her the visa for the visa process… and my eyes welled up with emotion,” he confessed to Telemundo cameras.
Heydi was in the United States on immigration parole (I-220B), but there was a prior deportation order against her.
After his forced departure from the country, Carlos found himself alone caring for his one-year-old daughter, waiting for a solution to reunite the family.
The progress in the case was possible, in part, thanks to the support of Congresswoman Kathy Castor, as the couple publicly expressed their gratitude.
Despite the approval, there are still important steps to take. The case now moves to the National Visa Center (NVC), from where Heydi will be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. consulate in Havana.
Before returning, he will need to process two immigration waivers, a procedure that can take years, although his lawyer will attempt to have the case considered for expedited processing.
The family also faces the uncertainty generated by a recent measure from the United States government that restricts the issuance of visas to Cuban citizens.
Although this regulation mainly affects tourist and student visas (such as B-1/B-2, J, M, and F), it is still unclear whether it will also impact immigrant visas like the IR-1.
“Our little girl is going through the hardest part,” Carlos lamented. “Besides Heydi, who is in Cuba suffering from being separated from her daughter,” he told the television station.
The family's lawyer, quoted by Telemundo, explained that since the pardon process can take years, once they submit the two pardons, they will request that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services expedite their approval.
Despite the obstacles, the case represents a ray of hope for this Cuban family, who continue their struggle to reunite in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Family Reunification of the Deported Cuban Mother
Why was Heydi Sánchez Tejeda deported from the United States?
Heydi Sánchez Tejeda was deported due to a deportation order that has been in effect since 2019, despite being married to a U.S. citizen and complying with all immigration laws. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) expedited her check-in appointment without prior notice and carried out the deportation, sparking outrage over the separation from her breastfeeding daughter.
What are the next steps for the family reunification of Heydi Sánchez with her daughter?
After the approval of the family reunification visa, Heydi will need to apply for two immigration waivers before returning to the United States. This process can be lengthy, but her lawyer will try to have it considered for expedited processing. Additionally, she will need to attend an interview at the U.S. consulate in Havana.
What impact has the deportation had on Heydi Sánchez's daughter?
The deportation has had a significant impact on Heydi's daughter, who suffers from frequent seizures and was separated from her mother while still being breastfed. The young girl has shown signs of distress and difficulties in feeding since the separation.
What role did Congresswoman Kathy Castor play in the Heydi Sánchez case?
Congresswoman Kathy Castor was instrumental in advancing the case, as she advocated for family reunification and denounced deportation as a "cruel and illegal" act. Castor has requested the administration's intervention to grant humanitarian parole and has kept in touch with the family to support their situation.
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