A Cuban celebrated with joy the arrival of his permanent residency in the United States, a dream come true that he shared on social media along with an image and an emotional message.
“Mom, we did it. To those who doubted me. Thank you Orula, Changó my father,” wrote the man in the description of a post that has gone viral on TikTok, where he proudly displays the document that verifies his legal status in the North American country.
In the image, he is seen with a big smile, wearing a light blue t-shirt, a cap, and sunglasses, while holding his official correspondence in one hand and giving a thumbs up. It appears he has just received the coveted green card.
The post has generated numerous reactions and questions from other Cubans interested in the immigration process. One of the most notable comments was: "How long did it take you, my dear? Did you enter through CBP?" to which the protagonist replied: "Yes, I entered in 2023 through CBP I-94. After I applied for residency, it took almost a year to arrive."
The gesture of the Cuban, which includes a religious dedication to the orishas of Afro-Cuban religion, such as Orula and Changó, has sparked a wave of positive reactions. Numerous users have congratulated him for his perseverance and for not giving up in the face of difficulties.
"When one fights with faith and humility, everything comes," commented a user. Others took the opportunity to share their own migration stories or to send blessings for her new chapter in the United States.
This type of testimony reflects the emotion with which many Cubans experience the migration process, marked by sacrifices and waiting, but also by the hope for a better future outside the island.
Watch the video on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@awo21kunalle/photo/7525481804040637727.
Frequently Asked Questions About Obtaining Residency in the U.S. for Cubans
How long can it take for a Cuban to obtain residency in the U.S.?
The waiting time to obtain residency in the U.S. varies, but in the case mentioned in the news, a Cuban who entered through CBP I-94 in 2023 took nearly a year to receive their green card. However, some cases under status I-220A have waited up to four years to obtain permanent residency, as reflected in the testimonies shared on social media.
What is the I-220A status and how does it affect Cubans in the U.S.?
The I-220A status is an immigration document that allows Cubans to live legally in the U.S. while awaiting a judicial resolution of their case. This status represents a legal limbo, as it does not guarantee residency or a stable work permit. Many Cubans wait for years under this status before managing to regularize their situation, as evidenced by cases of individuals who have received their residency after prolonged waiting periods.
How does obtaining residency affect the lives of Cuban migrants in the U.S.?
Obtaining residency in the U.S. represents a significant change in the lives of Cuban migrants, as it provides legal stability, full access to rights, and the possibility of reuniting with their families after years of separation. This document marks the beginning of a new phase and symbolizes the achievement of the "American dream" for many Cubans who have faced long and challenging migration processes.
What routes do Cubans use to migrate to the U.S. and obtain residency?
Cubans use various pathways to migrate to the U.S., such as humanitarian parole, I-220A status, CBP One, and other legal processes like Form I-485. Each pathway has its own requirements and waiting times, and the choice of one over another depends on the individual circumstances of each migrant. Changes in immigration policies can affect these processes, such as the recent update to Form I-485, which now requires the simultaneous submission of the medical examination.
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