Heydi Sánchez, the Cuban mother deported from the United States and separated from her baby and husband, shared a video message to provide an update on her current situation in the Island.
In her message, Heydi clarified that although her family reunification request has finally been approved, she still does not have a visa and has not begun formal procedures, and this step only represents an initial advancement in the process.
"Now I have to go through the entire process, which is lengthy. They have to give me an appointment at the Cuban embassy, then the immigration pardons will come, along with several other things I still need to do," he detailed.
"I am not in the United States yet, I am in Cuba waiting for this to progress," he emphasized.
Heydi especially thanked Congresswoman Kathy Castor and Claudia Cañizares' law firm for their support in advancing her case.
She also asked society to continue sharing her story to help accelerate the process and be reunited soon with her daughter and husband, the family's greatest hope amidst the difficult separation.
"Every day that goes by, my husband and I say: one day less, we have one day more behind us. And we keep trying, knocking on doors for help to reunite," she concluded.
The case of Heydi has been closely followed by the media.
After being deported to Cuba on April 24, after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during an immigration appointment, she left behind her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter and her husband, Carlos Yuniel Valle, who remains in the United States taking care of the child.
Last Monday, Carlos attended a new immigration appointment in Tampa, where he received the news they had been eagerly anticipating: "Heidi's claim and mine were accepted, thank God they accepted the claim
The immigration attorney Claudia Cañizares indicates that the approval of family reunification is good news, but it does not guarantee an immediate solution, as Heydi must complete a consular process that includes submitting documents and interviews at the U.S. embassy in Havana.
Additionally, because he crossed the border illegally in 2019, he will need to obtain two immigration waivers, a process that could take years if not approved promptly.
The family has received significant political support thanks to Congresswoman Kathy Castor, who has helped to bring attention to the case and has pushed to expedite the processes.
Nevertheless, the process is still fraught with uncertainties, particularly due to recent restrictions by the U.S. government on the issuance of visas to Cuban citizens, mainly in tourism and study categories, and there are concerns about whether this will also impact immigrant visas like the one Heydi is applying for.
"The hardest part is being experienced by our little girl," said Carlos Yuniel Valle in an interview with Telemundo.
Heydi was in the United States under immigration parole (I-220B), but with a prior deportation order.
She and her family continue to fight for reunification, trusting that political momentum, legal assistance, and public visibility will help expedite the process so that they can soon be together again.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Heydi Sánchez, Deported Cuban Mother
What is the current status of Heydi Sánchez's family reunification process?
The family reunification process for Heydi Sánchez has been approved, but she still does not have a visa nor has she initiated formal procedures. The approval is just an initial step, and Heydi must go through a lengthy process that includes obtaining an appointment at the U.S. embassy in Havana and several immigration waivers.
What obstacles does Heydi Sánchez face in returning to the United States?
Heydi faces several obstacles in her attempt to return to the United States, including the need to obtain two immigration waivers due to her illegal entry in 2019. Additionally, she must complete a consular process that could take years if expedited processing is not achieved.
How has the separation affected Heydi Sánchez's family?
The separation has had a significant emotional impact on the family. Heydi's daughter, who is a year and a half old, has suffered from the absence of her mother, who used to breastfeed her, and Carlos Yuniel Valle, Heydi's husband, has expressed his distress at caring for the little girl alone while he fights for reunification.
What support has Heydi Sánchez received in her family reunification case?
Heydi Sánchez has received significant support from Congresswoman Kathy Castor and the law firm of Claudia Cañizares. This backing has been crucial in bringing visibility to her case and pressuring for the processes to move forward more swiftly.
Filed under:
