Cubans in the U.S. begin receiving banking alerts about the loss or freezing of their accounts

Cuban migrants in the United States are experiencing days of uncertainty after receiving letters from Bank of America warning them about the possible closure or freezing of their accounts if they do not update their immigration status. This information was revealed by Noticias 23 de Univision.

According to a Cuban woman interviewed by this television channel, the bank required her to update her residency information because her temporary documentation was about to expire.

His case is not isolated, as the bank has been sending notifications to clients who are citizens or residents of Cuba, reminding them that the island is subject to federal sanctions, which requires the institution to implement strict controls.

The immigration lawyer Jesús Novo explained to Univision 23 that Cubans must provide evidence of holding valid immigration status or, at the very least, having an ongoing process. “They can show a asylum notification, a work permit, or a residency application. You don't have to have residency as such,” he clarified.

However, it acknowledges that many Cubans who entered through humanitarian parole and never applied for asylum or have been unable to initiate the Adjustment Act may face greater complications if they do not have a valid work permit.

The testimony of another migrant, who requested to remain anonymous, highlights the seriousness of the issue. “The bank froze my account directly. I could not withdraw money, deposit, or make purchases. Nothing,” he said. He was only able to regain access weeks later, after presenting the receipt showing he had applied for residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act, which led the bank to temporarily restore access to his account.

While Cubans face this new front of concern, another alert message comes from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The agency reminded that ignoring a Final Notice of Intent to Levy can result in the immediate freezing of bank accounts, wages, and assets, such as vehicles or properties. Although funds are not automatically withdrawn, the money becomes unusable from the very first moment.

The IRS states that once the notice is sent, the taxpayer has 21 days to get in touch, negotiate a payment plan, or resolve the debt. If they do not do so, the withheld funds may be permanently confiscated. In certain cases, the agency may lift the levy, but the debt will remain active, and any delay could reactivate the measure.

Lawyer Novo advises not to panic, but to act quickly: carry copies of all immigration documents and avoid sending originals.