Jeovanis Armas, a young Cuban, is experiencing significant uncertainty after receiving a deportation order in the United States, despite his case being classified under "credible fear." At 28, this designation acknowledges the potential danger he might encounter if he returns to Cuba, where he fears for his safety. However, the political asylum system failed to provide Armas with adequate legal representation, leading to this critical situation, according to Telemundo 51.
Jeovanis entered the U.S. irregularly in 2019 and is currently held at the Broward Detention Center. During his detention, he has reported enduring "psychological torture" due to the prolonged detention and the handling of his case. The media outlet highlighted that, according to his attorney, Miguel Inda-Romero, although Cuban authorities have accepted his return, the process has stalled, unnecessarily extending the young man's detention.
Meanwhile, his wife, Lixandra Morales, described the situation as "unjust" since her husband has no criminal record and has complied with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) supervision. She also noted that he has been detained and released multiple times, significantly affecting his mental health. As a result, his attorney emphasizes the urgency of his release, given his increasingly fragile emotional state.
Deportation flights between the United States and Cuba, which were suspended in December 2020, resumed in April 2023 following negotiations to address the migration crisis. Since 2021, over 990 Cubans have been deported from the U.S. With tougher immigration policies, the number of cases is expected to rise, prioritizing those with criminal records.
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to initiate mass deportations starting January 20. However, various attorneys have pointed out that Cuban nationals are not expected to be the primary targets due to the significant legal protection they receive under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Addressing the issue, the communist regime remarked that it is "unrealistic" to assume that Donald Trump's administration would carry out mass deportations of Cubans and provided their reasoning.
“It's essential to remember that there are migration agreements between Cuba and the United States, and any matters of this nature, including potential deportations, must be conducted within the framework established by these agreements,” stated Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Deputy Foreign Minister, during a press conference following the latest round of migration talks between the two countries.
Understanding Cuban Deportation Concerns
What does "credible fear" mean in immigration cases?
"Credible fear" in immigration cases refers to a genuine fear of persecution or torture in the individual's home country, which is recognized by U.S. immigration authorities as a basis for seeking asylum.
Why is Jeovanis Armas facing deportation despite having "credible fear" status?
Jeovanis Armas is facing deportation due to inadequate legal representation within the asylum process, which has left him vulnerable despite his "credible fear" status.
How does the Cuban Adjustment Act protect Cuban nationals in the U.S.?
The Cuban Adjustment Act provides Cuban nationals with a unique pathway to legal residency in the U.S., offering significant legal protections that are not available to other immigrant groups.
What are the implications of resumed deportation flights between the U.S. and Cuba?
The resumption of deportation flights between the U.S. and Cuba signifies a stricter enforcement of immigration policies, potentially leading to an increase in the number of deportations, especially for those with criminal records.