Immigration lawyer Willy Allen warned that the new rules from May regarding access to the green card have no real impact on the Cuban community, although he expressed an unusual hope—acknowledged by himself—that the month will bring substantial changes in relations between the United States and Cuba.
Allen made it clear during his weekly program with Tania Costa on CiberCuba: "As long as the consulate in Cuba does not open and they do not determine what they are going to do, Cuba remains at zero. It doesn't matter the work visas that are unavailable for Cubans, nor does it matter the family visas that are currently stalled."
The lawyer explained that the central issue is not the new regulations themselves, but rather the inactivity of the U.S. consulate in Cuba, which hinders any real progress for Cubans applying for visas through that consular route.
Despite that grim diagnosis, Allen surprised his host with an unusually hopeful tone. "It's the first time I've heard you say that we should expect substantial changes this May, because you've always been a bit skeptical," pointed out Tania Costa. Allen replied, "I'm skeptical, but who knows."
Among the signals that fuel this hope, Allen mentioned the possible presence of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in waters close to Cuba. Trump announced the deployment of the aircraft carrier as part of the so-called "Project Freedom," aimed at pressuring the Díaz-Canel regime. "What a great name for an aircraft carrier: Abraham Lincoln changed the U.S., so we shall see," Allen said.
Díaz-Canel responded to those threats invoking the "War of All the People" before delegates from 36 countries gathered in Havana last Sunday.
Allen also mentioned that his younger brother was in Havana that same day, accompanying a group of Baptist ministers who brought humanitarian aid containers to the island. "Let’s hope my brother's presence leads to some changes in Havana," joked the lawyer, who described his brother as "the chosen one" of the family, baptized by Cardinal Arteaga—the first cardinal of the Catholic Church born in Cuba—at the Cathedral of Camagüey.
In terms of immigration, the situation for Cubans faces multiple obstacles. The State Department suspended the processing of immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Cuba, since January 21, 2026. Additionally, there is a pause by USCIS that prevents the approval or denial of immigration benefits for Cuban, Venezuelan, and Haitian citizens, and the family reunification processes have been suspended for several months.
The flight crisis further complicates the situation. At least 11 airlines have suspended operations since February, with most resumption dates expected in November.
Allen also recalled that a U.S. court made a favorable decision for Cubans with I-220A in February, and that recently a Cuban with I-220A was released after months of detention, signs that also contribute to his hope.
"Let's hope that in May the hurricane sweeps away the suspension of travel and that trips start again. Let's hope that in May there might be substantial changes between the American government and Cuba, so that we have a more normal situation," Allen concluded.
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