Cuban in Miami Told to Leave U.S. After Humanitarian Parole Ends: "All I've Done is Work"

Diony Osniel López Díaz, a Cuban native who works as an event host and presenter in Miami, recently took to TikTok to share his experience after receiving an official notice from the U.S. government. The notice demands that he leave the country following the termination of his humanitarian parole. "I have to leave the country in the coming days, or at least that's what USCIS is asking of me," Diony stated at the beginning of a video where he displays the document he received. "Today, I woke up with this notification from USCIS informing me that I must voluntarily leave the country by April 24, or face the risk of being detained and deported."

He continued, "My parole and work permit have been revoked. This happened despite both documents having expired, at least in my case," he added on his profile @dionylopeztv. Diony recounted that he and his family arrived in the United States on March 1, 2023. In May 2024, they filed for an adjustment of status under the Cuban Adjustment Act. "In January of this year, after nearly 10 months, my wife and children thankfully received their green cards. Unfortunately, mine has not arrived, even though I had my fingerprints taken back on October 4 of last year."

Simultaneously, he applied for a new work permit in January under category C09. "I applied before my C11 expired in February, and it still hasn't arrived." He expressed his concerns about the situation: "Today, we are considered illegal and prioritized for deportation."

Impact of Losing Work Authorization

"What's going to happen to over half a million people who will be left without jobs? It's one thing to revoke parole, but if they are leaving us without the ability to work… who's going to pay rent, car expenses, internet?" he questioned. His story sparked hundreds of comments on social media. One user replied: "Don't worry; that's life. I've been waiting three years for a miracle with my I220A." Another commented, "Only God knows why this happens, but everything has a reason."

There's also a sense of frustration: "It's not fair. They sold us a dream, and now they're kicking us out." Another user, resigned, noted: "This is what happens when you vote for people who don't want us." A mother shared, "I'm in the same situation, with two kids. The desperation is setting in." Someone else opined, "It's the fault of those who voted for Trump. Go cry at the park."

Uncertain Future for Cuban Migrants

"Thanks for telling the truth. Journalists and lawyers just say to stay calm, but the reality is different," one follower wrote. Meanwhile, another suggested, "Stay calm, buddy. You'll get your card. It's just a matter of time."

In another video, Diony responded to someone asking why he hadn't applied for the work permit along with the residency. "Sadly, the person who handled my process didn't advise me about it, didn't suggest I do it. We thought we had done everything right," he explained. "Time passed, I saw the residency wasn't coming, and I asked. I was told to wait; it should arrive before the end of the year. The year ended, and it didn't arrive, so I had to apply in January. All I have is the receipt," he added.

"Right now, it's unclear if work permits can also be paused for all of us who entered on parole," he concluded.

Policy Shifts and Their Consequences

Diony's case unfolds amid a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. On March 25, the Department of Homeland Security announced the official revocation of humanitarian parole, giving beneficiaries without another legal basis 30 days to leave the country voluntarily. According to the official notice, those who do not leave by April 24 will face expedited removal and the automatic revocation of work permits granted under migration parole. The DHS also specified that those who have applied for an adjustment of status before that date should be protected.

Estimates cited by Café Fuerte suggest that at least 26,000 Cubans would be left without legal status, having not completed the required year and a day to qualify under the Cuban Adjustment Act. The wave of indignation on social media has been strong, with dozens of Cubans feeling betrayed by a system that once welcomed them and now expels them.

"My advice, if you're in the same situation as me, is to try to continue with your life, finding opportunities and ways to stay in this country. Ultimately, God has the final say," Diony concluded, offering a message of hope amid the uncertainty faced by thousands of Cuban migrants.