Unacceptable Error: USCIS Mistakenly Instructs Citizens and Residents to Leave the U.S.

Recently, a wave of distress has swept through the Cuban community as numerous individuals have received alarming emails notifying them of the "Termination of Parole," demanding their immediate departure from the United States. Surprisingly, this email has been sent not only to those under the humanitarian parole program but also to individuals granted parole via the CBP One app, and even to those who are already residents or naturalized U.S. citizens.

Liudmila Marcelo, an Immigration attorney, reported being inundated with client complaints and, shockingly, found the same email in her own inbox despite being a U.S. citizen for years. "This incident strengthens my belief that it's an automated system error by USCIS," Marcelo explained in a video shared on her TikTok account. "It frustrates me that the government is handling its responsibilities with such little seriousness, allowing such an error to occur," she added.

Marcelo labeled the situation as an "unforgivable mistake," pointing out that while a message like this doesn't concern her personally, it poses a significant threat to thousands navigating uncertain immigration paths. "Those who haven't applied for residency or are awaiting their application results are thrown into panic, unnecessarily seeking solutions. If American citizens like me are receiving these emails, it clearly signifies nothing but disrespect and poor performance by USCIS," she concluded.

The comments section revealed that many long-time citizens and residents also received the erroneous message. "This is madness; it's reaching citizens and residents alike," noted several individuals. "I received it too, and I am a citizen. They're making a mistake," echoed another, with similar testimonies from other Cubans.

An established journalist, Mario J. Pentón, highlighted in a broadcast on X that even Cubans stranded in Mexico, who never made it to the U.S. through the CBP One appointment, have received the email. Pentón took the opportunity to offer advice to Cuban migrants benefiting from humanitarian parole or CBP One, programs under scrutiny by the Trump administration.

He urged parole beneficiaries not to become complacent despite the positive news that a Boston federal judge temporarily halted the revocation of legal status for those with humanitarian parole. "Remember: If you entered under humanitarian parole, apply for asylum if you haven't initiated the Cuban Adjustment Act. If you are of another nationality, file for asylum. If you came through CBP One, seek asylum; that's how you stay protected until the Cuban Adjustment Act comes into play," Pentón advised.

So, what exactly does the controversial email to Cuban and other nationality migrants say? Below is the message that caused such upheaval:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528
April 11, 2025
Notification of Parole Termination

The time has come for you to leave the United States. Currently, you are here because the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) granted you temporary stay (parole) in the United States for a limited period. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1182(d)(5)(A) and 8 C.F.R. § 212.5(e), DHS is now exercising its discretion to terminate your parole. Unless it expires sooner, your parole will be canceled seven days after the date of this notification.

If you do not leave the United States immediately, you could face law enforcement actions potentially leading to your removal from the country, unless you have secured a legal basis to remain. Any benefits you receive in the U.S. tied to your parole—such as work authorization—will also be revoked. You might face criminal prosecution, civil penalties, and other legal actions available to the federal government.

DHS encourages you to leave the country voluntarily. You can use the CBP One mobile app or visit the website to arrange your departure. If departing by air, you must record your departure from the U.S. through the same site. For issues reporting land departures, visit: [Link removed] for more information on how to voluntarily report your exit.

Once again, DHS is canceling your parole. Do not attempt to remain in the United States—the federal government will find you. We urge you to leave the country immediately.