Willy Allen, a renowned attorney based in Florida, expressed his sorrow on Monday over the passing of Cuban American congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart. Allen described Díaz-Balart as an "irreplaceable" figure within the Cuban exile community. "My deepest condolences to the family of Lincoln Díaz-Balart. Lincoln was a remarkable individual. I was fortunate to consider him a friend, and his loss is a tremendous blow to the Cuban exile community and our Miami community," Allen stated.
He emphasized that the Cuban community in Florida owes a great deal to Lincoln Díaz-Balart for his efforts in preserving the Cuban Adjustment Act as we know it today. In 1996, Díaz-Balart successfully fortified this legislation by incorporating it into the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act. "It was a brilliant move. He, alongside Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, played a significant role in what was called NACARA (the law that allowed certain nationalities to apply for legal residency through suspension of deportation)," Allen explained.
NACARA facilitated the legalization of tens of thousands of Cubans who entered the U.S. between 1960 and 1995. Lincoln Díaz-Balart's efforts through NACARA also benefited Nicaraguans, Eastern Europeans, Salvadorans, and Hondurans. "The loss of Lincoln Díaz-Balart is enormous. His retirement was already a significant loss, and his passing today is an irreplaceable loss of a great figure in the exile community," Allen added.
Willy Allen made these comments during an emotionally charged interview with CiberCuba, where he discussed the new registration requirement for all undocumented immigrants, the possibility of self-deportation through the CBP ONE application, and the lawsuit aiming to allow Cubans with I-220A to access parole and later benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act.
In summary, Allen advises complying with the law, emphasizing that if registration is required, individuals should do so unless they are certain they have previously registered in the United States. Regarding the lawsuit to enable those with I-220A to obtain parole and thus qualify for the Cuban Adjustment Act, Allen remains optimistic. He insists that it is achievable because those holding I-220A have already been inspected and admitted into the United States. He criticized former Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, calling him a "coward" for failing to address this issue.
FAQs on Lincoln Díaz-Balart and the Cuban Adjustment Act
Who was Lincoln Díaz-Balart?
Lincoln Díaz-Balart was a Cuban American congressman known for his significant contributions to the Cuban exile community, particularly through his work in preserving the Cuban Adjustment Act.
What is the Cuban Adjustment Act?
The Cuban Adjustment Act is a United States federal law that allows Cuban nationals who meet certain criteria to apply for permanent residency after a year in the United States.
What is NACARA?
NACARA, or the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act, is legislation that allows certain individuals from specific countries to apply for legal residency in the U.S. by suspending deportation.