The Cuban official in the United States Sergio Rodríguez Beristain went viral with a direct message to his fellow countrymen who feel superior or privileged in relation to migrants with I-220A or humanitarian parole.
"This is for the legal Cuban residents who think they are above not only the I-220A and those on humanitarian parole, but also for all the MAGA supporters who voted for Trump, who support Trump, and who agree with all the injustices being carried out. It is worth mentioning, as a sheriff's officer, that these are criminal and unconstitutional acts that are protected by money and power, not by the law and reason," he said in an extensive reflection shared on his TikTok profile @user3054932943.
Beristain criticized the lack of empathy among Cubans: “You think that because you are legal residents, you are privileged; you put on your privileged suit and believe you are different from others. You mock them, you call them scum, you call them parasites, you refer to them as 'bread with steak,' saying, 'get them out of here, there are too many people here, back to Cuba, out to the streets.'”
He also questioned the forgetfulness of origins: “It seems you've forgotten that at one time, when you didn’t have that little piece of paper telling you that you are a legal resident, you were in the same situation, or worse. You've forgotten that you lied at the border, you've forgotten that you lied in your interview, omitted information, fabricated credible fear, you forgot all of that, and now you are a legal resident, and you mock others.”
The official warned that residency does not guarantee immunity: “Don’t think you’re in the clear; you’re even worse off because if they find out that you became a citizen or legal resident under Biden and Obama, and this gentleman decides to say that all of that was given incorrectly, that everything should be undone—just like you want him to undo everything Biden did and everything Obama did—I will see how you applaud and how you laugh when immigration calls you and says, ‘Give me your residency, give me your citizenship, you lied, you omitted information, deported.’”
Beristain concluded with a message to the most vulnerable: “To you, gentlemen I-220A and the humanitarian parole, not all Cubans are laughing at you. Here’s one who values and cares for you. I have helped many of you, and as much as I can, within my means, I will help you—a direction, some advice, okay? Embrace the community, I care for you all very much, take care (...). To those it may concern, wear the cloak; to those it doesn’t, move on. Health and good luck.”
The video has accumulated thousands of comments, predominantly filled with praise: “I take my hat off to you,” “Because of Cubans like you, I feel proud,” and “That's how you speak.” Many agreed that “no one is safe here” and that “residency is not a guarantee of anything.”
Other users warned: “Once they finish with the first group, they will move on to legal residents and then to naturalized citizens.” There were also many emotional messages: “I am a resident and I pray to God every day for those who entered with parole and I-220A; among them are my daughter and my grandchildren.”
Most expressed appreciation for the gesture of empathy and the tone of warning. "That man has a diamond in his heart," "This is definitely worth listening to," and "Men like you are needed," were some of the most repeated comments.
Beristain, originally from Matanzas, has turned social media into a platform to question immigration policies that he deems unjust and the attitude of those who forget their roots. In March, he had already issued a warning in which he stated: “When I warned many that this would happen, they didn't believe me. They said I was crazy, that I think this way because I'm a 'snitch' and 'communist'”, referring to the risks of deportation for those who became legal under Democratic administrations.
Months later, in July, he reported the migration center nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz”, in the Everglades, describing it as “inhospitable to human life” and “an obscene violation of human rights.”
Your message resonates with previous reflections within the Cuban community in the U.S., such as that of creator Carelis Conde, who asked: “Why do we fall into comparisons? Is your immigration situation less painful than mine?”.
In the midst of a scenario marked by deportations, uncertainty, and divisions within the migrant community, the official's voice insists on a clear message: to remember where we come from and not to lose empathy for those currently traveling the same path that many have already taken.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Immigration Situation of Cubans in the U.S.
How does humanitarian parole affect Cuban migrants in the U.S.?
Humanitarian parole is a temporary permit that allows migrants to stay in the U.S. while their immigration situation is resolved. Recently, the Trump administration has revoked this program, leaving many Cubans in a migratory limbo, without the possibility of regularizing their status under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
What is the I-220A form and what does it imply for Cuban migrants?
The I-220A form is a "conditional release order," granted to migrants who have been detained and released under supervision. This document does not confer permanent legal status, creating uncertainty about the future for the migrants who hold it, as they must attend Immigration hearings to resolve their situation.
Why does the Cuban official Sergio Rodríguez Beristain criticize the lack of empathy among Cubans in the U.S.?
Sergio Rodríguez Beristain criticizes Cubans who, having regularized their immigration status, mock those in more precarious situations, such as those with humanitarian parole or I-220A. He emphasizes the importance of remembering their own origins and maintaining empathy for those who are still struggling to establish themselves legally.
What risks do Cubans face who regularized their status under Democratic administrations?
Cuban nationals who obtained their residency or citizenship under democratic administrations face the risk of these processes being reviewed if current policies allow it. Rodríguez Beristain warns of the possibility of deportation if irregularities are found during the legalization process.
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