Prominent Cuban activist Liu Santiesteban has stirred controversy on social media following her remarks on President Donald Trump’s recent decision to rescind the humanitarian parole policy, initially implemented under the administration of Joe Biden. In a Facebook post, Santiesteban openly criticized the move, highlighting the immigration limbo faced by many Cubans who crossed the border after July 11, 2021, as they received forms I-220A or I-220B, making them ineligible for the Cuban Adjustment Act and other regularization avenues.
“Biden left Cubans who crossed the border post-July 11 without status. They were given I-220A and B forms and weren't allowed to apply for the Adjustment Act or granted credible fear or asylum,” Santiesteban declared. She further questioned the impact of the parole on the Cuban community, arguing it allowed entry without the necessity of proving political persecution and unfairly benefited “henchmen and frontmen” of the regime over genuine dissidents.
However, Santiesteban assured that those who entered with humanitarian parole have nothing to fear as they possess legal admission and can apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act after residing in the U.S. for a year. Her comments have ignited a heated debate online, eliciting a range of reactions and opposing viewpoints.
Community Responses and Concerns
Among the responses, some questioned the parole’s removal without addressing the predicament of Cubans with I-220A, pointing out the inconsistency in immigration policies predating Biden: “I entered the country under Trump, and some were given I-220A while others received parole under the same circumstances. Is the solution to attack those with parole without solving the I-220A issue? Unjustified extremism,” one user argued.
Others condemned the infighting among Cubans instead of rallying for solutions: “It’s disgraceful to see Cubans attacking each other, wishing the worst upon each other, as if they have forgotten their own history. While some attack their own, the communists are rubbing their hands and mocking,” one user lamented.
Conversely, some supported Santiesteban's stance, asserting that true exiles have been disadvantaged, while others exploited Biden-era programs without facing political persecution: “Truly, genuine exiles are stuck in an immigration limbo, while the henchmen are enjoying all the benefits of this great country,” another remarked.
Venezuelans and Broader Implications
Venezuelans have also voiced their disapproval of the parole’s revocation, noting the sacrifices many made to reach the United States, now facing potential deportation: “I’m a Venezuelan exile, but I find the measures unjust. I’ve witnessed how many left behind a lot, made huge sacrifices to reach the U.S. with conditional liberty, and now this man intends to send them back to Venezuela with a signature,” a Venezuelan exile expressed.
The termination of humanitarian parole continues to elicit strong reactions within and beyond the Cuban exile community, with divided opinions on whether it serves as a necessary correction or an unjust blow to thousands of migrants seeking stability in the U.S.
In response to President Trump's Executive Order 14165, signed on January 20, which mandates border security and ends categorical parole programs, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced last Friday the termination of these programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, along with their immediate relatives, under the CHNV designation.
According to a statement circulated with the signature of Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, pending travel permits, confirmed sponsorships (I-134A), and employment authorizations derived from the parole will also be revoked. Since the program's inception in 2023 until July 2024, around 110,000 Cubans have been vetted and authorized to travel. By the end of July, over 520,000 individuals from Nicaragua, Venezuela, Haiti, and Cuba benefited from this Biden administration initiative.
Common Questions About the Humanitarian Parole Revocation
What is the humanitarian parole policy?
The humanitarian parole policy allowed individuals from certain countries to enter the United States without the need to demonstrate political persecution, providing a legal pathway for temporary stay.
How does the revocation of parole affect Cubans with I-220A or I-220B forms?
Cubans with I-220A or I-220B forms are left in a legal limbo as they cannot apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act or other regularization processes, potentially resulting in their deportation.
What is the Cuban Adjustment Act?
The Cuban Adjustment Act is a U.S. law that allows Cuban natives or citizens to become permanent residents one year after entering the U.S., provided they meet certain eligibility criteria.