Renowned Florida attorney Willy Allen expressed confidence to CiberCuba regarding Cuban nationals who entered the United States with an I-220A, a parole order granted to individuals detained and subsequently released by Immigration officers under the condition they attend Immigration Court hearings. In his interview with the platform, Allen conveyed a message of hope to those with I-220A status: "We will win in Federal Court. Submit a strong asylum application. We might have to fight," he stated.
From the perspective of the distinguished Miami lawyer, removing residency from 100,000 Cubans who entered with I-220A is impractical. He firmly stated, "You cannot now revoke the residency of 100,000 Cubans who entered with I-220A."
In the same conversation, Allen assessed the likelihood of parole and family reunification beneficiaries—whose processes were paused by USCIS this week—being detained or deported as "zero."
Allen also criticized Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar for proposing legislation to grant permanent legal status to Cubans with I-220A. He described her comments as "nonsense." "Publicly, I've apologized for voting for her twice. María Elvira, who was once a friend, is being disrespectful to any thoughtful person. She knows well that no new law needs to be presented. The law has existed since 1966," Allen emphasized.
He referred to the Cuban Adjustment Act, proposed by two American congressmen from Miami and signed by Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson when Cubans held little significance or power. Additionally, Congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart brilliantly incorporated it into the Cuban Democracy Act in 1996. "That law already exists. This congresswoman is mocking us. She can't propose anything new. It's nonsense. It's an insult," Allen insisted.
Allen suggested that Salazar should continue doing something impactful, like her past efforts in exposing administrative irregularities that granted different immigration statuses to married couples entering the United States together.
These remarks came in response to the recent USCIS suspension of proceedings for Cubans who legally entered the United States through humanitarian parole and family reunification. In both instances, they can seek asylum, family protection, and the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows them to obtain a green card (residency) after a year and a day of living in the United States.
Under President Donald Trump's administration, the parole program was eliminated, the CBP One application—facilitating border appointments for entry measures—was removed, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) benefiting 300,000 Venezuelans was canceled, deportations to Guantanamo were initiated, and deportations to Venezuela and Colombia began.
Understanding I-220A and Cuban Immigration
What is an I-220A parole order?
An I-220A parole order is granted to individuals who have been detained and then released by Immigration officers, requiring them to attend Immigration Court hearings.
What is the Cuban Adjustment Act?
The Cuban Adjustment Act, signed in 1966, allows Cuban nationals to obtain permanent residency in the United States after residing for one year and one day.
How has the Trump administration impacted Cuban immigration policies?
The Trump administration eliminated the parole program, removed the CBP One application, canceled TPS for Venezuelans, and began deportations to Guantanamo, Venezuela, and Colombia.