Following the announcement last Tuesday of a new program by President Joe Biden's administration to regularize the status of American citizens' spouses, local university graduates, and those who entered the country as children, new questions arise for Cubans in the United States.
According to immigration lawyer Ángel Leal, the program applies to individuals who have been in the country for more than ten years, and the under-21 children of undocumented American citizens' spouses. "Those eligible are people who have been in the country for over ten years and have children under 21 years old from their undocumented American citizen spouse," Leal explained in an interview with Martí Noticias.
In his conversation with Cuban American journalist Mario J. Pentón, Leal highlighted the limited options for those with an I-220A status, as this status "started around two or three years ago." He explained, "If you are the spouse of an American citizen and have been in the country for more than ten years, and all of this occurred by June 17, 2024, you can apply for this parole, which will be granted for three years. This will allow you to apply for a work permit and give you a three-year period to apply for residency."
Regarding those with I220A status, Leal noted, "It is important to understand that most people in that situation have not been able to adjust to residency because they did not enter the country legally."
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said these actions aim to "promote family unity in the immigration process, consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to keeping families together."
Government figures indicate that around 50,000 stepchildren of American citizens will be able to benefit from the new regulations, in addition to half a million migrants who will have a three-year period to apply for permanent residency once their cases are reviewed and their applications approved. During this period, they can remain in the U.S., apply for a work permit of up to three years, receive their Green Card, and even apply for citizenship.
Understanding the New Immigration Program for Cubans
With the introduction of the new immigration program by the Biden administration, many Cuban immigrants have questions about their eligibility and the specifics of the program. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers to help clarify these concerns.
Who qualifies for the new immigration program?
The program is intended for American citizens' spouses, local university graduates, and individuals who entered the country as children and have been in the U.S. for over ten years.
What is the significance of the I-220A status?
I-220A status mostly applies to individuals who entered the U.S. without legal authorization in the past two or three years, making them ineligible for residency adjustment under the new program.
What benefits does the new parole offer?
The parole grants a three-year period during which eligible individuals can apply for a work permit, remain in the U.S., and eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship.