Immigration attorney Willy Allen expressed strong disapproval on Monday towards Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, accusing her of disrespecting the Cuban-American community. His remarks came after Salazar suggested in a recent interview that President Trump was unaware of the harassment faced by immigrants from Cuba and Venezuela as a result of his immigration policies.
Allen also took issue with Salazar for urging Cuban-Americans to support a Republican candidate in Louisville who has publicly defended ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and opposed birthright citizenship for the children of immigrants, a stance that contradicts current policies.
Controversial Interview Sparks Backlash
The controversy stemmed from an April 3 interview where Salazar claimed that President Trump realized the initial immigration policies against Venezuelans and Cubans were ineffective, hinting at a shift in direction under new leadership at the Department of Homeland Security.
During an interview with CiberCuba, Allen was blunt, stating that Salazar's comments "insult our community," dismissing her promises of change as empty gestures towards Cuban and Venezuelan migrants.
Past Criticisms and Regrets
Allen went further by publicly apologizing for having voted for Salazar in the past. This isn't the first time Allen has criticized Salazar. Back in February 2025, he labeled a legislative proposal by Salazar as an insult, arguing it was redundant given the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966, which already addressed those issues without requiring new legislation. At that time, he also admitted to having voted for her twice and offered a public apology.
In July 2025, Allen intensified his criticism by announcing he would not support Salazar in future elections and endorsed a primary challenger.
Salazar's Defense and Legislative Efforts
On April 3, Salazar defended the new leadership at the Department of Homeland Security, asserting their focus would be solely on criminals. She advocated for the continued protection of migrants with I-220A or Temporary Protected Status, provided they had no criminal record.
The congresswoman also urged the new Secretary of Homeland Security to resume the naturalization processes for Cubans and Venezuelans, which had been halted. On March 27, she pushed for the protection of over 500,000 Venezuelans in precarious immigration situations, arguing that Venezuela remains unsafe for returnees.
The core of the dispute between Allen and Salazar revolves around the I-220A form. Allen argues that this parole document should allow Cubans to adjust their status after a year and a day under the Cuban Adjustment Act, rendering Salazar's legislative proposals unnecessary or misleading to the community.
Understanding the Cuban-American Community's Concerns
What are the main criticisms Willy Allen has against María Elvira Salazar?
Willy Allen criticizes María Elvira Salazar for disrespecting the Cuban-American community and for her legislative proposals, which he views as unnecessary given existing laws like the Cuban Adjustment Act.
What is the significance of the I-220A form in the immigration debate?
The I-220A form is a parole document that Allen believes should enable Cubans to adjust their status under the Cuban Adjustment Act, making additional legislative proposals by Salazar redundant.