Yisel Miguel Sarduy, the wife of Cuban national Deivy Alemán Oropesa, made an urgent plea on Facebook over the weekend, reaching out to U.S. senators and congress members. Her request is simple yet desperate: she seeks a temporary humanitarian visa to allow her husband to return to the United States before their three-year-old daughter undergoes her fourth open-heart surgery.
The couple’s young daughter, Keira, was born with a severe congenital heart defect known as tricuspid valve atresia. This condition has necessitated multiple surgeries since she was just five months old. Her first surgery kept her in the hospital for two months in critical condition.
Her third surgery, performed at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in Florida when she was just over a year old, was successful. However, as October approaches, preparations for her fourth surgery are underway, with her father stuck in Cuba, unable to be by her side.
"All we are asking for right now is help to obtain a humanitarian visa so he can be here for two or three months," Yisel stated in a video, which quickly garnered nearly 59,000 views.
Yisel concluded her emotional appeal with a heartfelt plea: "Put yourself in my shoes for a moment. It’s incredibly hard to go through this for the fourth time and experience it over the phone."
The family isn’t seeking Alemán’s permanent return. Yisel was clear: "If he needs to return to Cuba afterward and finish his process there, we are fine with that. But it’s crucial for our daughter’s recovery and emotional well-being that both her parents are with her during this challenging time."
Alemán lived in Orlando, Florida, for nearly seven years under immigration supervision with Form I-220B, which applies to individuals with a final order of deportation. He has no criminal record or traffic violations.
In September 2025, faced with a decision after a meeting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — either leave voluntarily or face detention — he chose self-deportation, hoping to resolve his immigration status from Cuba.
"His only crime, like many others, was crossing the border. Other than that, he paid taxes and worked without any issues," Yisel pointed out.
A year later, the situation remains uncertain. Although USCIS has expedited Alemán’s case — including an I-130 petition filed by Yisel a year and a half ago — this progress doesn’t guarantee his return or set a specific date.
Immigration experts consulted by Univision 23’s journalist Javier Díaz agree that Alemán might eventually return, but "the exact timing remains uncertain."
From Cuba, Alemán expressed his distress: "The surgery is approaching soon. It’s a very difficult process that worries me because we’ve been through this before."
The humanitarian visa the family seeks is a form of temporary relief that the State Department or the Department of Homeland Security can grant at their discretion in verified medical emergencies, but it isn’t automatic and typically requires legislative support.
As of now, no senator or congressperson has publicly taken up the case.
Key Questions About Humanitarian Visa for Medical Emergencies
What is a humanitarian visa?
A humanitarian visa is a temporary relief measure that allows individuals to enter the U.S. for urgent reasons, such as medical emergencies. It is discretionary and often requires backing from lawmakers.
How can Deivy Alemán Oropesa return to the U.S.?
Deivy Alemán Oropesa could potentially return to the U.S. if granted a humanitarian visa due to his daughter's medical situation, though the timing and certainty of this remain unclear.