Willy Allen, a seasoned Florida immigration lawyer, recently emphasized in an interview with CiberCuba that the chances of Cuban nationals, who have entered the U.S. through parole and family reunification, being detained and deported are virtually nonexistent. Allen expressed this sentiment during an in-depth discussion about the implications of the halted administrative processes affecting Cubans who utilized these specific immigration avenues.
According to Allen, the situation is particularly "challenging" for those who patiently waited in line in Cuba, only to find themselves in a precarious legal "black hole." He explained, "They've been dealt another blow. Those who have played by the rules and waited are the ones most affected. The solution is patience. Though they may face frustration and prolonged uncertainty, it's going to be a more arduous journey."
With extensive experience in Miami's legal landscape, Allen offers reassurance to the over 110,000 Cubans who arrived in the United States under the Biden Administration's humanitarian parole. This legal permission allows individuals to travel to the U.S. with the backing of a financial sponsor, granting them a two-year work permit. Such an immigration measure is unique to the U.S. and has never been implemented in countries like Spain.
In July 2024, the Biden Administration temporarily halted the parole process due to detected irregularities, resuming it in September 2024. However, only a small number of Cubans managed to enter the U.S. via this route after its reinstatement. On January 22, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order abolishing the humanitarian parole, among 41 other directives enacted upon his inauguration.
This week, it was revealed that on February 14, 2025, Andrew Davidson, a USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) official, ordered the suspension of ongoing administrative processes for individuals who entered the U.S. through parole from regions like Latin America and Ukraine, as well as through family reunification. Allen noted that the family reunification path had been suspended since 2020, following the sonic attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Havana, and was reactivated by Biden in 2022.
Since taking office, President Trump has dismantled the parole program, eliminated the CBP One application that facilitated border appointments for U.S. entry, canceled the TPS (Temporary Protected Status) benefiting 300,000 Venezuelans, initiated deportations to Guantánamo, and commenced deportations to Venezuela and Colombia. The latest development, announced this week, involves halting the USCIS processes for parole and family reunification beneficiaries. Both groups retain the option to pursue asylum, family protection, and the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows them to apply for a green card after one year and a day in the U.S.
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies on Cuban Nationals
What are the chances of deportation for Cubans under parole and reunification?
According to immigration lawyer Willy Allen, the risk of deportation for Cubans who entered the U.S. through parole and family reunification is virtually zero.
How has the Biden Administration's approach to parole impacted Cuban immigrants?
The Biden Administration initially paused the parole process in 2024 due to irregularities, resuming it later that year. However, few Cubans have been able to enter the U.S. using this method since its reinstatement.
What options remain for Cubans affected by halted USCIS processes?
Cubans impacted by the suspension of USCIS processes can still seek asylum, family protection, and apply for a green card through the Cuban Adjustment Act after one year and a day in the U.S.