Erick Dayan Corcho Aguilar, a 22-year-old Cuban who arrived in the United States through the humanitarian parole program, has chosen to return to Cuba after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) failed to renew his immigration status. This information was reported by Univision journalist Javier Díaz, who confirmed Corcho Aguilar is now back in Cuba with his family.
Corcho Aguilar had been living in Denver, Colorado. Faced with an uncertain path to legal residency and the fear of being detained and sent to a detention center, he concluded that returning to Cuba was his only viable option. His journey began on Sunday, first traveling to Miami before taking a final flight to his hometown of Santa Clara.
Before leaving, he gathered some money and packed his belongings, hoping to start anew in Cuba. By leaving the U.S. without legal residency, he effectively "self-deported," removing himself from the American immigration system.
This case highlights the uncertainty faced by many Cuban migrants, particularly those who entered the U.S. under the humanitarian parole program and have not had their permits renewed. Corcho Aguilar's decision has sparked debate about his future prospects in Cuba and whether he might regret returning.
While some believe he may find stability with his family, others caution about the ongoing economic and social challenges in Cuba. Recently, the Trump administration decided to revoke the legal status of humanitarian parole beneficiaries from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This measure, effective April 24, 2025, impacts over 530,000 individuals who entered the U.S. under this program since 2023.
According to journalist Wilfredo Cancio on his blog Café Fuerte, most Cubans who came under this program have applied for or received permanent residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA). The CAA, in place since 1966, allows Cuban nationals who have been in the U.S. for at least one year and one day to apply for permanent residency.
However, approximately 26,000 Cubans who arrived after March 2024 do not yet meet the one-year physical presence requirement needed to qualify for this law, leaving them in a precarious immigration situation.
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Immigration Policy on Cuban Migrants
What is the humanitarian parole program?
The humanitarian parole program allows certain individuals to enter the U.S. temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, without providing a path to permanent residency.
How does the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) benefit Cuban migrants?
The CAA provides Cuban nationals who have been in the U.S. for at least one year and one day the opportunity to apply for permanent residency, offering a pathway to legal status in the country.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face when their parole status is not renewed?
Without renewal of their parole status, Cuban migrants face uncertainty regarding their legal residency, risk of detention, and potential deportation, leaving them in a vulnerable position.