In recent developments, a significant number of Cubans have expressed their disapproval of Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar following the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's decision to revoke humanitarian parole for citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This action potentially leaves these individuals vulnerable to swift deportation.
Salazar has been vocal about her commitment to advocating for Cubans at risk of deportation and has actively lobbied the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to halt the detention of migrants with I-220A status. However, she has faced criticism on social media platforms from individuals accusing her of abandoning law-abiding taxpayers.
A user on Instagram questioned, "Are you going to allow the deportation of innocent Cubans and Venezuelans who pay taxes and work honestly?" The comment came under a post where Salazar shared a picture of herself enjoying a traditional Cuban breakfast.
Many reminded her of the unwavering support she has received from the Cuban community in Florida, urging, "You should support your fellow Cubans who have placed their trust in you. Massive deportations are looming for those who entered with Parole and those with I-220A."
An admirer expressed feeling betrayed by the Republican Party, stating, "Cubans have always been known for voting Republican. I voted for Trump, never expecting he would betray my people."
Despite her efforts, Salazar's call for an "opportunity" for humanitarian parole beneficiaries to access promised protections placed blame on the Biden Administration for the current "legal limbo." She tweeted, "Trump is rectifying the immigration disaster left by Biden. There's no doubt: the legal limbo facing Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans today results from Biden's empty promises."
Salazar was the first among the three Cuban-American Congress members to address the revocation of immigration benefits for these communities. However, skepticism persists about whether Donald Trump will advance a solution like the one Salazar proposes for parole beneficiaries.
Further criticism points to Washington's focus on deportations without addressing the root causes of migration, such as political instability in Latin America. Observers on our independent media platforms have noted that Salazar's promises of protection have yet to translate into legislative changes.
One Cuban remarked, "Many with I-220A trusted her through four years of Biden, and nothing happened. Now, with the Trump administration, things are even more complicated. Everyone must resolve their status with a lawyer and forget what she says with her monetized policies, as she's not part of the administration nor the President."
Cubans in Limbo: The Aftermath of Parole Revocation
Thousands of Cubans who benefitted from humanitarian parole are now in a state of anxiety following the announcement of its revocation within a 30-day window commencing this Tuesday. This decision impacts those with active parole who have not applied for or received a defined immigration status.
Estimates suggest approximately 26,000 Cubans could find themselves without protection. According to journalist Wilfredo Cancio's analysis for Café Fuerte, this figure includes islanders who entered the U.S. post-March 2024. These individuals do not yet meet the one year and one day residency requirement needed for eligibility under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA).
Understanding the Impact of Humanitarian Parole Revocation
What is humanitarian parole and why is its revocation significant?
Humanitarian parole allows individuals from certain countries to enter the U.S. temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons. Its revocation means that those who relied on it could face deportation and lose their temporary legal status.
What actions has María Elvira Salazar taken in response to the parole issue?
Salazar has promised to intercede on behalf of those facing deportation and has urged the DHS to stop detaining migrants with I-220A status. She has also called for the Biden Administration to rectify the situation.
How are affected Cubans responding to the parole revocation?
Many Cubans feel abandoned and are expressing their frustrations through social media, questioning political leaders and seeking legal advice to secure their immigration status independently.