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A group of undocumented Cuban workers involved in the construction of the new Metro Express terminal in Miami appealed this Thursday to the mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava, for the chance to continue working legally in the country.
During an official visit to the site, the workers approached the mayor to request a parole that would allow them to regularize their situation.
They claimed to be specialists in air conditioning systems, a field with high demand in southern Florida, and pointed out that they have deportation orders due to being improperly processed at the border, which puts their employment and their residency in the country at risk, according to a video posted by journalist Mario J Pentón.
Levine Cava, although she did not commit to managing the parole directly, advised workers to consult with immigration attorneys to apply for a visa for skilled workers, a mechanism that, as she explained, could be applicable in their situation.
He stated that he has helped immigrants in similar situations in the past.
"I have supported other immigrants before. Ask the lawyers how to obtain a visa due to a shortage of skilled workers," said the mayor.
The terminal under construction is part of the ambitious expansion plan for the Miami-Dade transportation system, employing dozens of workers, including several undocumented immigrants who now find their job prospects in limbo.
In June, President Donald Trump defended his aggressive immigration policy, but acknowledged that "farmers and people in the hospitality and leisure sector have claimed that our aggressive immigration policy is taking away excellent workers with extensive experience, and that those jobs are nearly impossible to fill."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Undocumented Cuban Workers in Miami
Why do Cuban construction workers in Miami-Dade seek help from the mayor?
Undocumented Cuban workers are requesting a immigration parole from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava that would allow them to regularize their legal status in the United States, as they face deportation orders due to a mishandling at the border.
What kind of support did the mayor of Miami-Dade offer to Cuban workers?
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava did not commit to directly handling the parole, but recommended that workers consult with immigration lawyers to process a visa for scarce workers, suggesting that it could be a viable solution for them.
What is the current situation of undocumented Cuban immigrants in Miami-Dade?
Many Cuban immigrants in Miami-Dade face vulnerability and the risk of deportation. Some live in precarious conditions, such as in forests or under highways, while trying to regularize their legal status in an environment of restrictive immigration policies.
How does the current immigration policy of the United States affect Cubans who arrived with CBP One?
The Donald Trump administration has revoked work permits granted through the CBP One program, affecting many Cubans who legally entered the U.S. through this route. This leaves immigrants without legal means to support themselves and with few options to regularize their immigration status.
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