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Cuban Ilaris Torres Reyes remains detained at a detention center in Tennessee despite being in the process of obtaining permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act, in a case her defense describes as unusual and concerning.
“I know that everything will turn out fine because, in truth, there is no reason for them to keep me here any longer,” the young woman said from the detention center to Telemundo 49.
Ilaris arrived in the United States by raft and managed to reach land at Marathon Key, Florida, where she was processed by immigration authorities. She later moved to Tennessee, where she continued her legal process after receiving a parole two years ago, granted following an interview with an immigration officer.
Thanks to that permit, the Cuban was able to apply for permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act. However, her situation took an unexpected turn when she attended an immigration appointment on February 13 and was detained.
"They told me that it was my turn, that there was no other option, supposedly because I had to go to court," he recounted.
Her lawyer claims that the case does not follow the usual pattern. She explained that Ilaris was not in the process of deportation and had correctly submitted her application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), just like any other parolee.
“It is not usual,” emphasized the attorney, who believes that the detention could be related to recent changes in immigration policy, which have impacted other similar cases.
Consulted experts recommend that migrants, including those covered by the Cuban Adjustment Act, have legal representation and attend their appointments accompanied to avoid unforeseen situations.
After the cancellation of several hearings, Ilaris now has a new court date set for April 24, where she hopes to clarify her situation and regain her freedom.
"God tells me in my prayers that on that day I will be free," she affirmed with hope.
So far, the Department of Homeland Security has not responded to the information requests regarding the case made by the American media.
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