The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs has voiced its concerns over the thousands of Cubans residing in the United States who find themselves in a legal limbo due to the I-220A document. They have urged for a prompt resolution to regularize their status in the country. Leading the Cuban delegation in a round of migration talks held this Wednesday in Havana was Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío.
"We expressed our concern about the number of Cubans in the United States who are in a legal limbo. They were admitted into the country but have not been granted a concrete legal status, which is a significant issue for the Cuban government," stated the deputy foreign minister.
Following the meeting, Cossío emphasized that it is "unrealistic" to consider mass deportations to the island, referring to warnings from then-President-elect Donald Trump about organizing the largest deportation operation in U.S. history upon taking office in January. Cossío described Trump's stance as "drastic and unjust," highlighting that the mass return of Cubans would be a complex and disruptive process, given that many have already integrated into U.S. society with stable jobs and families.
The I-220A form is a supervised release permit received by over 400,000 Cubans since 2021. However, it is not recognized as an official admission document in the country, leaving these migrants to navigate their cases in court and pursue regularization through the Cuban Adjustment Act.
The lack of clarity regarding the legal status of Cubans with I-220A has sparked numerous protests seeking recognition of their status as humanitarian parolees. Although these Cuban immigrants have work permits, they lack other robust legal guarantees and face travel restrictions to Cuba until they attain residency.
During the discussions, the Cuban side also called for the full restoration of consular services at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, particularly for non-immigrant visas, and criticized restrictive measures that, in their view, encourage irregular migration.
This dialogue, the last under the Biden administration, took place amid increasing migration tensions between the United States and Cuba. The island could soon become one of the countries with the highest number of repatriations, which the regime is keen to prevent at all costs.
Since January 2022, over 900,000 Cubans have migrated to the United States through irregular means, CBP One appointments at the border, or programs like humanitarian parole. The island is grappling with an unprecedented migration crisis, fueled by a severe economic downturn and political repression that drives thousands of Cubans to seek new opportunities abroad.
Understanding the I-220A and Its Implications for Cuban Migrants
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A form is a supervised release permit granted to some migrants, allowing them to remain in the U.S. temporarily while their legal status is determined.
Why is the Cuban government concerned about the I-220A status?
The Cuban government is concerned because the I-220A status leaves thousands of Cubans in a legal limbo without a clear path to permanent residency, affecting their ability to travel and fully integrate.
How does the I-220A affect Cuban migrants' ability to work in the U.S.?
While Cuban migrants with I-220A can obtain work permits, they lack other legal protections and face restrictions on travel until they secure permanent residency.
What are the potential consequences of mass deportations of Cubans from the U.S.?
Mass deportations could be disruptive, as many Cubans are already integrated into U.S. society with established jobs and families. It would also present logistical challenges for both countries.