A Cuban family that arrived in the United States over five years ago has an I-220A form and remained without a scheduled immigration hearing, experiencing moments of uncertainty before appearing at an ICE office in Orlando, Florida. However, according to their testimony, the appointment ended without any arrests and with an immigration court hearing scheduled for 2028.
The experience was recounted by a Cuban woman in a video posted on Facebook, aimed at reassuring other migrants who are afraid to attend their appointments with U.S. authorities.
According to her explanation, her family, which consists of her husband and two minor daughters, entered the United States in March 2021, and since then, they had not received a date to appear before an immigration court.
The situation changed on September 25, when ICE agents detained her husband and released him that same morning after issuing a summons for the family to appear on Tuesday, October 20.
"We were practically in a bad situation because we didn't know what was going to happen, whether we were going to be deported or if we would be allowed to stay; we didn't know anything," the woman confessed as she recalled the anguish of the days leading up to it.
What happened during the appointment with ICE?
The Cuban woman recounted that after contacting the authorities by phone, she was informed that her daughters did not need to attend due to being minors, but that they needed to bring the passports of all four family members and U.S. identification documents.
The appointment was scheduled for eight in the morning, but they were not attended to until around ten. They remained at the facility until approximately one in the afternoon.
During the procedure, they reported that the agents took their fingerprints and informed them of a hearing date before an immigration judge set for 2028.
One of the moments that brought the most relief to the family was receiving a document that, as the Cuban explained, could be useful in case they were intercepted again by immigration agents.
"This document is in case immigration stops you," he stated while holding up the paper in front of the camera. According to his interpretation, it certifies that they have already been processed by the authorities and would prevent a new detention until their court appearance in 2028.
However, the woman did not identify the type of document, and her testimony does not establish that it legally prevents a new arrest by ICE.
Additionally, the woman stated that they received a new date to appear and sign before the immigration authorities.
They also received information about immigration lawyers and a document with the date of the scheduled court hearing for 2028.
The woman stated that she decided to share her experience upon realizing the fear of other Cubans in similar circumstances.
"There are many I-220A without a hearing who are self-deporting thinking that when they get here they will be deported," he stated.
The woman also stated that some people had to receive new appointment dates because they did not present their passports. According to her experience, those who were processing the document could provide a receipt of their application.
These guidelines correspond to the observations made during your visit to the Orlando office and should not be interpreted as requirements applicable to all ICE offices.
Does receiving a cutoff date prevent deportation?
Although this family was able to return home after the appointment, their experience does not mean that all individuals with an I-220A will receive the same treatment, nor does having a scheduled hearing automatically prevent detention or deportation.
The I-220A form is a parole order, subject to immigration conditions. It does not itself equate to a parole nor does it guarantee permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Uncertainty affects numerous Cubans who entered the United States with I-220A and remain without a hearing date.
Individuals with cases before immigration courts can check the available information regarding their hearings on the official system of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and seek legal advice before making decisions about their stay in the United States.
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