"Ladies and gentlemen, the day has arrived," begins the powerful message from Cuban creator Alfredo Betancourt, who took to TikTok to react to the recent notifications sent by the U.S. government to recipients of the humanitarian parole, urging them to leave the country. "530,000 individuals are now being informed that their driver's licenses, work permits, and status in this country have been revoked," he lamented in his video posted from his account @alfredobetancour7. "I can't deny this has hit me hard, as I have friends going through this right now, and they don't deserve it," he added, visibly distressed.
The influencer stated that he had been warning his community for months about the possible repercussions of the current Republican administration's immigration policies: "We did everything possible to make many understand, to avoid reaching this point." He directly blamed those who, according to him, voted for those now revoking their rights: "Your citizen, every vote for this administration, signed your deportation order."
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The video quickly amassed hundreds of comments, sparking a heated debate among Cubans inside and outside the United States. "Trump warned you, and you were advised," commented one user. Another wrote, "Biden promised a return to the Obama era regarding Cuba and turned out to be Trump Part 2. There are the results."
There were also criticisms from the other side: "Ignorance kills the entire world; I stand by the Democrats no matter what. I arrived in '94, and at least they let you in, and little by little, you get your documents," opined another user.
Many comments echoed sentiments of pain, frustration, or resignation: "I’m in the same situation, with two kids. The desperation is starting to hit," wrote a mother. Another user expressed, "Don't worry, that's life. I’m on I220A and have been waiting for a miracle for three years."
Official Revocation of Humanitarian Parole
On March 25, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the official revocation of the humanitarian parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. Starting April 24, 2025, all active permits will be deemed terminated.
Those affected have begun receiving official notices requiring voluntary departure from the country if they lack a legal basis to remain. Concurrently, the processes for residency for asylum seekers and refugees have been suspended, and work permits issued under the parole have been revoked.
An estimated 26,000 Cubans may find themselves without legal status for not yet meeting the one-year-and-one-day requirement to qualify under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Concern has become widespread: "It's not fair," was a common reaction from Cubans on social media after learning the news, while testimonies like that of presenter Diony Osniel López in Miami reflect the real anguish of those who could be deported within weeks. "I have done nothing but work," declared Diony after receiving the order to leave.
Is There Still Hope?
According to experts, Cubans who manage to complete the one-year-and-one-day physical presence in the U.S. may still apply under the Cuban Adjustment Act, even if their parole has been revoked. Attorney Rosaly Chaviano explained that the document remains valid for adjustment of status purposes, provided no immigration violations have been committed.
Nevertheless, the window is narrow, and uncertainty is growing. "Time is running out for them," Betancourt warned. His message has become the echo of thousands who today face the fear of deportation, legal frustration, and political impotence.
Understanding the Impact of Humanitarian Parole Revocation
What is the humanitarian parole program?
The humanitarian parole program allows certain individuals, including Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, to enter the U.S. temporarily due to urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
How are Cubans affected by the parole revocation?
An estimated 26,000 Cubans could lose their legal status, as their parole and work permits are being revoked. They may be required to leave the country unless they have a legal basis to remain.
Is there still a way for impacted individuals to stay in the U.S.?
Cubans who fulfill the requirement of one year and one day of physical presence in the U.S. might still qualify for the Cuban Adjustment Act, even if their parole is revoked, provided they have not violated immigration laws.