“I nearly had a heart attack,” confessed a young Cuban man in a TikTok video on his account @andro_el_talento_oficial, as he celebrated the arrival of his work permit in the United States. “God’s timing is perfect. I applied for my work permit a month ago... and within 15 days, I received both the work permit and the receipt,” he shared. As a recipient of the I-220A immigration status, he enthusiastically revealed that after weeks of uncertainty, he received both the extension and the approved document. “Here it is, I’m not lying,” he declared while displaying the envelope. “Can you imagine if the I-220A got residency? The whole world would know,” he exclaimed.
The video has sparked numerous reactions from other Cuban migrants. “I applied two months ago and still nothing,” one user commented. Another shared, “I applied five months ago and got the 540-day extension letter in 15 days, but still no card.” A third user noted, “I’ve been waiting for four months and only received the extension letter; still waiting.”
Others chimed in with positive experiences. “It was the same for me, received it in 15 days,” someone wrote. “I applied for my work permit through residency, not asylum like the others, and got it in a month,” another person stated. “Mine was granted for five years,” added another user. The phrase “I thought it was the residency” echoed in several comments, reflecting the collective anxiety upon receiving any official notification.
The video creator responded to many comments, advising to apply six months in advance to avoid delays, and noted his permit was processed under category C9. “Yes, it will arrive for you at any moment. Blessings,” he replied to several queries.
His story is among several recent cases that offer encouragement to Cuban migrants facing an uncertain legal landscape. Earlier in April, a young Cuban woman in Miami received her residency after four years of waiting under the I-220A status. Days prior, a mother shared the moment her young son, granted humanitarian parole, received residency in the United States.
Also noteworthy was a young woman in Las Vegas who won her asylum case, celebrating the news on social media. In March, Cuban Laura de la Caridad González was released from an ICE detention center in Florida following intervention from Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, who advocated against detaining Cubans with I-220A without criminal records.
Shortly before, Cuban Dariel López Ramos defended the immigrant community in a viral video, showcasing the auto detailing business he built in less than three years in the United States.
These stories stand in stark contrast to the growing uncertainty caused by recent decisions from the U.S. government. Cuban attorney Willy Allen explained that the Department of Homeland Security has halted permanent residency applications for refugees and asylees. “The residency applications have been suspended,” he told America Tevé.
Allen also warned that the revocation of humanitarian parole and the suspension of family reunification directly impact thousands of Cuban migrants, even those approved to adjust their immigration status. He noted that many with the I-220A form do not yet have court dates and may not be directly affected. Nevertheless, he cautioned that delays in work permits and recent arrests of migrants during routine ICE appointments might be part of an intimidation strategy. “I think they were detained to send a message... the government wants to push the idea of self-deportation,” he declared.
In this challenging scenario, the story of the young Cuban who received his work permit has sparked a ripple of hope. “Thank you for encouraging those of us still waiting,” wrote a user. As immigration policies tighten and legal processes become more complicated, hundreds of Cubans remain steadfast in their resolve: to endure, stay informed, and continue their fight.
Understanding the I-220A Immigration Status and Work Permits
What is the I-220A immigration status?
The I-220A status is a form of immigration relief that allows individuals to legally stay in the United States while they await further processing of their immigration status. It often involves receiving work authorization.
How long does it typically take to receive a work permit with I-220A status?
The timeframe can vary, but as indicated by personal accounts, some individuals have received their work permits within 15 days of application. However, others have experienced longer waiting periods.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face under I-220A status?
Cuban migrants under I-220A face challenges such as delays in processing work permits, uncertainty in their legal status, and potential changes in U.S. immigration policies that could affect their ability to adjust their status.