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Cuban Father Pleads for Visa to Support Daughter During Heart Surgery in the U.S.

Monday, October 5, 2026 by Oscar Guevara

Deivy Alemán Oropesa, a Cuban national who voluntarily returned to Cuba in September 2025 after being ordered to leave the United States, is once again seeking assistance to temporarily reunite with his daughter before her upcoming open-heart surgery.

In a video shared by Univision 23 journalist Javier Díaz, Alemán expressed from Cuba that he has been separated from his wife and daughter for over a year. His main concern now is being present for his daughter during her next medical procedure.

"I tried to do things right to be able to return legally after my wife filed a petition for me over a year ago," Alemán explained.

Alemán noted that his wife and daughter, both U.S. citizens, have managed to visit him in Cuba occasionally, but the distance has made the past year particularly challenging for the family.

"I've been away from my little girl for too long. The positive side is that they can visit because they are American citizens, and they have come to see me when the agency assists them, usually every couple of months," he shared.

The Cuban father also highlighted the economic impact of his absence, with his wife shouldering most household responsibilities alone.

"It's been a tough year being apart from them and not being able to support them at home with all the bills and everything that needs to be paid," he remarked.

The Urgent Health Concerns of Keira

Alemán's primary worry is the health of his daughter, Keira, who was born with a complex congenital heart defect and has already undergone several open-heart surgeries.

"The surgery is approaching. It's a tough process that worries me because we've been through this before. She's had multiple open-heart surgeries and is older now, so she understands more, making it even harder for her," he expressed.

In September, the family explained that Keira was born without a tricuspid valve and is preparing for another operation. Although USCIS approved expedited processing of Alemán's case, this does not mean an immediate authorization for him to return to the United States.

Now, Alemán emphasizes that any temporary solution would suffice if it allows him to be with his daughter during the surgery.

"What I'm asking is for a congressman, a senator, anyone who can expedite the case and allow for a reunification with her or a humanitarian parole for a month or two," he stated.

"I just want to be with her for her next surgery to provide my support and be there for this complicated process," he added.

Family Appeals for Legislative Support

His wife, Yisel Miguel Sarduy, has also publicly requested the intervention of U.S. lawmakers.

Recently, she pleaded with congress members and senators for a temporary humanitarian permit that would allow her husband to be present during the surgery and return to Cuba if necessary to continue his immigration process.

The family isn't necessarily seeking Alemán's immediate permanent residency in the United States. According to Yisel, the urgent need is for their daughter to have both parents by her side during what will be, according to previous reports, her fourth open-heart surgery.

This situation dates back to September 2025. Alemán lived in Orlando for about seven years under immigration supervision with an I-220B form, meant for individuals with a final deportation order.

After ICE instructed him to leave voluntarily or face detention, he opted to return to Cuba, hoping to resolve his immigration status from there. Four days later, the family endured a painful farewell at Miami International Airport. Alemán explained he chose to leave voluntarily rather than face immigration detention again, as he had before.

His U.S. citizen wife had filed a family petition with USCIS, and the case was eventually approved for expedited processing. However, this fast-tracking does not guarantee Alemán's return nor does it set a specific return date.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deivy Alemán's Situation

What is Deivy Alemán requesting from U.S. authorities?

Deivy Alemán is seeking a temporary humanitarian parole or any assistance that would allow him to be with his daughter during her upcoming heart surgery in the United States.

Why is Alemán's presence important during his daughter's surgery?

Alemán wishes to provide emotional support to his daughter, Keira, during her complex heart surgery, as it is a challenging process that she has undergone multiple times, making his presence crucial for her well-being.

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