Willy Allen, a prominent Immigration attorney based in Florida, reassured Cuban parole holders on Monday during an interview with CiberCuba, stating that there is "no need to panic." This comes after reports surfaced last Friday indicating that the Trump Administration plans to revoke the humanitarian parole this Tuesday, impacting work permits for at least 26,000 Cubans who entered the United States with a sponsor's endorsement.
According to Allen, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lacks the manpower to detain the 26,000 Cuban parolees in a door-to-door operation once their work permits are revoked, as anticipated. He emphasized that this move is primarily a tactic by the Trump Administration to instill fear, urging affected individuals to remain calm.
Earlier in January, Trump took steps to dismantle the parole immigration process, first by halting all related proceedings and now by revoking the parole status for those who entered the U.S. under this permit, which was initially valid for two years. However, Cuban parole holders can apply for a green card under the Cuban Adjustment Act after a year and a day in the U.S.
Allen advises those impacted to continue with their lives but exercise caution to avoid any legal troubles, such as traffic accidents, driving under the influence, or domestic disputes, which could lead to identification and subsequent detention and deportation.
He also addressed the recent detention of Cuban women with I-220A, like Beatriz Monteagudo Castillo, currently held in San Diego, California. Allen explained that women were detained instead of men due to available space in female facilities. He remains optimistic that none of the I-220A holders will be deported to Cuba and will eventually be released with residency permits.
Allen expressed uncertainty about the influence of Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar in halting further arrests of I-220A holders after her appeal to ICE officials. Salazar intends to propose legislation granting legal status to these individuals, potentially allowing them to apply for parole and then qualify for the Cuban Adjustment Act.
However, Allen argues that new legislation is unnecessary since I-220A holders have already been interviewed and admitted by U.S. authorities, meeting the criteria for the Cuban Adjustment Act. He views this as a political decision within the Department of Homeland Security, where the support of Cuban-American representatives like María Elvira Salazar, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Carlos Giménez could be pivotal.
In his regular interviews with CiberCuba, Allen underscores the importance of submitting well-prepared asylum applications and requesting work permits linked to residency applications, despite holding existing permits.
Regarding travel to Cuba, he advised a Cuban with Spanish citizenship, who has visited the island five times, to be ready to explain the purpose of these trips when applying for U.S. citizenship. While Allen maintains that travel carries no inherent risk, he cautions travelers to be aware of the ever-changing regulations since January 22, 2025.
Finally, Allen clarified that once the humanitarian parole is revoked, sponsors will be released from their obligations.
Understanding the Impact of Parole Revocation on Cuban Nationals
What is the humanitarian parole and why is it being revoked?
Humanitarian parole is a permit that allows individuals to enter the United States for urgent humanitarian reasons. The Trump Administration plans to revoke this parole, affecting the work permits of thousands of Cubans, as part of its broader immigration policies.
How can Cuban parole holders maintain their status?
Cuban parole holders are advised to live cautiously, avoid legal troubles, and wait until they are eligible to apply for a green card under the Cuban Adjustment Act after one year and a day in the U.S.
Will I-220A holders be deported?
Willy Allen believes that I-220A holders will not be deported to Cuba and will eventually be granted residency permits, as they have already been admitted by U.S. authorities.