The Cuban singer Eduardo Antonio, artistically known as El Divo de Placetas, publicly expressed his support for Cuban migrants with I-220A, amidst the growing uncertainty faced by thousands of them in the United States.
Through a message shared on his social media, the artist conveyed a message of solidarity: “It is deplorable to judge the righteous by the actions of the wicked. Not all I-220A individuals are criminals; they came here seeking freedom, to escape a dictatorship, and in search of prosperity and all the benefits that this country has granted many of us.”
The Divo recalled that he also arrived in the United States just like many Cubans, whether by sea, air, or land, and sought refuge under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Therefore, he understands the plight of those who today find themselves trapped in a migratory limbo without clear answers.
“They also have rights; they deserve not to be in a migratory limbo. Many of those I-220A, who are now labeled as criminals, went out to protest on July 11, 2021 in Cuba, which many of us here have not done,” she stated.
Eduardo Antonio also spoke from personal experience, mentioning that his husband, Roy García, is one of the many Cubans with I-220A who today live under pressure and uncertainty: “This topic resonates with me personally because my husband is I-220A and I know many who, like him, are dignified, decent, honorable, hard-working, and great individuals.”
He firmly criticized the judgments and stigmas towards holders of this immigration status: “Many talk and live off this entire story of communism in Cuba, speaking without experiencing the pain that many I-220A have endured. These individuals also have a purpose in life and deserve to have that purpose; we are not the ones to deny it to them, to point them out, or to judge them.”
The artist reaffirmed his Cuban identity and made it clear that, although he is also grateful to Mexico, where he developed part of his career, his heart continues to beat for the island.
“I will never betray my race. I love Mexico, Mexico has given me everything, but I will never forget that I am Cuban. Cuba comes first, Cuba is in my blood, Cuba pains me and everything that happens in Cuba hurts me and everything that happens to the I-220A hurts me,” he declared.
Finally, he asked his followers for empathy and humanity towards those who are currently facing complex migration processes.
Frequently asked questions about Eduardo Antonio's support for Cubans with I-220A
What is the I-220A form and why is it important for Cubans in the U.S.?
The I-220A form is a "release on parole" document granted by U.S. immigration authorities to certain migrants, allowing them to remain in the country while their legal situation is resolved. This is important for Cubans because it does not guarantee a definitive legal status nor does it protect against deportation, leaving many in a legal limbo.
What has Eduardo Antonio expressed about Cubans with I-220A?
Eduardo Antonio has shown his support for Cubans with I-220A, stating that not everyone is a criminal and that they came to the U.S. seeking freedom and prosperity. He has criticized the stigmas associated with this group and has called for empathy and humanity towards them, highlighting that many participated in the protests of July 11, 2021, in Cuba.
What has been the response of the Cuban community to the statements made by El Divo de Placetas?
The response has been largely positive, with many followers praising the artist's courage and empathy. Eduardo Antonio has been supported for his firm stance against criticism of migrants and for his defense of the dignity of Cubans with I-220A. However, he has also faced backlash and negative comments on social media.
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