Robin Peguero, a Democratic contender for Congress in Florida's 27th district, has pledged to revive the processing of Cuban cases involving the I-220A form under the Cuban Adjustment Act, aiming to pave the way for these individuals to secure permanent residency. This commitment was made during an interview with journalist Tania Costa this past Friday.
Peguero, a 40-year-old former homicide prosecutor from Miami and the son of immigrants raised in Hialeah, is on a mission to unseat Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar in the upcoming November 2026 elections.
"Those on I-220A are currently in limbo, fearful because their cases aren't being processed. They lack the pathway to citizenship that once existed. I intend to resume processing these cases," Peguero asserted.
Restoring a Path to Citizenship
The candidate detailed his plan to reactivate the pathway to citizenship for those without violent criminal records, while maintaining that individuals with such backgrounds should face deportation. "Everyone here on I-220A without a violent record deserves to stay. However, violent criminals have forfeited the privilege of being in this country," he emphasized.
Peguero highlighted his prosecutorial experience as the foundation for his stance. "As a homicide prosecutor, I supported the deportation of individuals who harmed our community. Our focus must be on deporting such individuals, while ensuring that Cubans on I-220A can remain and pursue citizenship."
Criticism of Salazar's Record
Peguero criticized Salazar for failing to deliver on similar promises, accusing her of presenting a double-faced narrative to her constituents. "Congresswoman Salazar says one thing in English and something entirely different in Spanish," he remarked, noting her English statements advocating for the deportation of Cubans, including those who arrived after the July 11, 2021 protests, as well as I-220A holders.
"She voiced this in English but refrains from saying it in Spanish. Her priority seems to be President Donald J. Trump, rather than the suffering members of our community," Peguero added.
The I-220A issue impacts over 300,000 Cubans who arrived during the 2021-2023 migration wave, leaving them in an immigration limbo as the document does not equate to a formal parole, a necessary requirement of the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act for permanent residency applications.
Judicial Developments and Future Prospects
The situation worsened under the Trump administration, which halted humanitarian parole for Cubans and expedited deportations, potentially putting nearly 550,000 Cubans at risk of deportation. In a judicial turn, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals rejected criteria excluding I-220A holders from the Cuban Adjustment Act in February 2026. A judge granted residency to a Cuban with I-220A in January that same year, setting a precedent repeated this week in an Orlando court.
Peguero, a Harvard graduate and former investigator for the January 6th committee, has raised over $820,000 from individual donors and has backing from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The Democratic primary in the 27th district, which is 74% Hispanic and includes Little Havana, Coral Gables, and Kendall, is set for August 18, 2026.
Meanwhile, a class-action lawsuit supporting Cubans with I-220A remains pending in the federal court of Southern Florida, as thousands of families await a decisive resolution to facilitate their path to legalization.
Understanding the I-220A Immigration Challenge
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A form is a document given to certain Cuban immigrants that does not equate to formal parole, which is required for permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966.
How does Robin Peguero plan to address the I-220A issue?
Robin Peguero intends to resume the processing of I-220A cases, providing a pathway to citizenship for those without violent criminal records, while advocating for the deportation of violent offenders.
How has the I-220A situation been affected by recent administrations?
The Trump administration exacerbated the situation by suspending humanitarian parole for Cubans and accelerating deportations, leaving many in a precarious immigration status.