A Cuban woman residing in Miami recently shared the story of her brother's deportation, an immigrant holding Form I-220A who was among those repatriated to the island last week. On July 18, a deportation flight from the United States arrived in Havana, carrying 54 Cubans, including the brother of Yeidis (@yeidistravelagentusa on TikTok).
The young mother narrated her brother's case and offered crucial advice for Cuban immigrants in the United States facing similar situations. Yeidis emphasized that her brother passed the credible fear interview but still had to present his case in court. The attorney representing him often appeared uncertain about the genuine danger her brother might face in Cuba.
"Choose your lawyer wisely. Select an attorney who understands your case, is aware of the situation in Cuba, and defends you wholeheartedly," Yeidis advised.
She also urged immigrants who have secured legal status in the United States to be cautious with their social media statements. She noted it is common to find testimonies from Cubans discrediting the cases of other immigrants from their own country.
In the comments section of her post, Yeidis advised against rushing to travel to Cuba after obtaining residency in the United States, as such behavior en masse sends a message that Cubans "are not political refugees."
"There's the legal factor, but there's also discretion, which means 'what U.S. officials perceive.' So, please, let's support the cases of other Cubans," she said.
Yeidis acknowledged the painful reality that her brother is now in Cuba and that this situation cannot be reversed. However, she remained composed and determined to learn from this setback and refocus on strategies that could eventually reunite her family outside the island.
"If Cubans keep talking nonsense on social media, the U.S. government will eventually revoke the Adjustment Act because they won't believe what happens in Cuba," she warned.
In her testimony, she also called for unity within the Cuban exile community.
"Let's unite the Cuban community so we can be credible. We are under the scrutiny of American society; we must watch what we say and how we behave to preserve the laws that benefit us in this country," she commented.
Recently, numerous cases have been reported of Cubans with Form I-220B being detained after living in the United States for more than a year, despite working and maintaining good social conduct. Many of these individuals are awaiting deportation processes back to Cuba.
Understanding Cuban Deportation Cases
Here are some frequently asked questions about the deportation of Cuban immigrants and the legal processes involved.
What is Form I-220A?
Form I-220A is a document issued to certain immigrants as part of the removal proceedings, indicating their release under supervision.
Why is choosing the right lawyer critical for Cuban immigrants?
Choosing the right lawyer is essential because a knowledgeable and empathetic attorney can better understand the specific risks and circumstances faced by Cuban immigrants and provide more effective representation.
How can social media statements affect Cuban immigrants' cases?
Social media statements can impact cases by creating perceptions that may undermine claims of political persecution. Inconsistent or contradictory statements can be used against immigrants in legal proceedings.
What is the Adjustment Act, and why is it important?
The Adjustment Act allows Cuban immigrants to apply for permanent residency after being present in the United States for at least one year. It is crucial because it provides a pathway to legal status for many Cubans fleeing persecution.
What advice did Yeidis give to other Cuban immigrants?
Yeidis advised Cuban immigrants to choose their lawyers carefully, be cautious with social media statements, and avoid traveling to Cuba immediately after obtaining U.S. residency to maintain the credibility of their asylum claims.