A Cuban national, holding an I-220A immigration document, shared his experience on TikTok after being sent from the United States to Mexico under a "voluntary departure," detailing each step of his journey and the treatment he received en route to Cancún.
“I was released on December 5th and taken by bus to the Hidalgo Bridge, which borders Reynosa. I walked across, and there’s a checkpoint where they check your health status,” recounted the migrant, who noted that the process was overseen by the Mexican National Guard and conducted "safely."
He described how at every stop, the migrants were provided with food and basic care. “They give us lunch, treat us well, thank God the treatment was very good... Throughout the trip, they kept providing us with food, we didn’t go hungry,” he shared.
The Cuban detailed that his journey took him through several southern Mexican states. “We went through Mexico City and arrived in Tabasco, specifically in Villahermosa,” he explained, noting that they were issued an electronic safe-conduct there. Later, “we were taken to the city of Palenque, about two hours from there, and then they released us in a park, returned our belongings.”
In his account, he assured that after purchasing a ticket to Cancún, the trip continued without major incidents: “We were stopped twice and allowed to continue; they take a photo of any document we have, treat us well, never badly.”
The young man explained that with the safe-conduct he can travel around the southern part of the country, although he is not authorized to head north, and announced plans to share his process with COMAR, the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance, on social media.
The video, available on his TikTok account, has garnered thousands of views and comments reflecting both support and curiosity about the migration process.
The testimony generated hundreds of supportive messages and questions about the “voluntary departure” process. Many users expressed gratitude towards the Mexican people for the humanitarian treatment the young man received, with comments like: “Welcome, Mexico is a country that welcomes all migrants” or “Thank you for sharing your experience, it seems you were treated better than by ICE. Thank you, Mexico, for treating people like human beings.”
Others showed interest in understanding the procedure: “How did you start the initial process for voluntary departure?” and “Is it possible to request to leave for Mexico by choice?”. Among Cubans, several expressed understanding and solidarity: “With all we Cubans have been through, giving up is not an option, but I respect your decision. I wish you the best.”
Context: Thousands of Cubans Await I-220A Ruling
This migrant's situation unfolds amidst growing anticipation among Cubans released under the I-220A form in the United States, following a judicial hearing in Atlanta that could redefine the immigration status of thousands of them.
During the hearing, immigration attorneys argued that many were improperly processed and should have received parole instead of an I-220A, which prevents them from applying for the Cuban Adjustment Act. The judges of the Eleventh Circuit challenged the government’s stance and left open the possibility that the court might consider these releases equivalent to parole.
According to arguments presented by attorney Mark Prada, migrants "were given the wrong paperwork." If the court accepts this interpretation, a legal pathway could open for Cubans with I-220A to adjust their status in the United States.
Attorney José Guerrero explained that a favorable ruling would directly benefit those residing in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, although the precedent could be used as a persuasive argument in other states. He also warned that even if the decision is positive, the government might appeal and delay its implementation.
The hearing, as reported in earlier accounts, left a sense of hope among Cubans in immigration limbo who are waiting to be able to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act after a year and a day of residing in the United States.
The story of this Cuban, now in Cancún, illustrates the journey of many migrants leaving the United States under "voluntary departure" and ending up in Mexico in search of a new opportunity. Meanwhile, the I-220A community remains divided between judicial hope in Atlanta and the reality of those, like him, who must rebuild their lives outside the country.
Understanding the I-220A Process and Its Impact
What is the I-220A immigration document?
The I-220A is a document issued to migrants in the United States who are not granted parole. It affects their ability to apply for certain immigration benefits, like the Cuban Adjustment Act.
How does the "voluntary departure" process work for migrants?
Voluntary departure allows migrants to leave the U.S. on their own terms rather than being deported. This process can include travel assistance and is often seen as a more favorable option compared to forced removal.
What could change if the court rules that I-220A releases are equivalent to parole?
If the court rules in favor of this interpretation, it could allow Cubans with I-220A to adjust their status in the U.S., potentially opening the door to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act and other benefits.