Cubans on Humanitarian Parole face heightened Deportation Risks Under Trump’s New Immigration Policies
Thousands of Cubans who entered the United states through the humanitarian parole program and the CBP One app are now at risk of deportation under a new memorandum issued by the Trump governance. Immigration lawyer Patricia Hernández has warned that “there is a very large probability” that those who have been in the country for less than two years could face removal.
The memorandum, released on January 23, grants the Department of National Security the authority to cancel active paroles, leaving many Cubans in legal limbo. Hernández emphasized that this risk is particularly high for those who entered with parole, have not yet applied for residency, or have no pending immigration applications. “There is a great probability that these people fall into deportations,” she reiterated.
Who Is Most Vulnerable?
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The new policy primarily targets Cubans who entered the U.S. within the last six to twelve months and have not yet met the one-year requirement to apply for a Green Card under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Hernández advises those in this situation to seek legal counsel immediately.”Remember that notaries are not lawyers here in the United States,” she cautioned.
For those who have already applied for residency but have not yet received their Green Card, Hernández recommends applying for a work permit under the Cuban Adjustment Law.This ensures they “have a valid work permit and will not have any problems with the authorities.”
Deportation Orders and Expedited Removals
Cubans with an I-220 B, which is interpreted as a deportation order, are also at important risk. “People who already have a deportation order at any time can be deported. They have a high risk as they no longer need any process,” Hernández explained.
Even those with an I-220 A, who have applied for the Cuban adjustment Law or have an active immigration case, are not safe. The January 23 memorandum allows authorities to cancel pending cases and place individuals in expedited removal proceedings.
Federal Enforcement and Legal Challenges
The enforcement of this memorandum across all states remains uncertain. hernández noted that federal agencies like ICE and the Border Patrol must interpret Trump’s executive order and issue their own guidelines. “It is going to take time, and obviously, they need resources. It is indeed not known if Congress will give them more resources to execute the order of President trump,” she said.
However, there is hope for legal intervention.Hernández believes that lawsuits could challenge the memorandum, similar to how a federal judge blocked Trump’s order on birthright citizenship. “There is supposed to be demands against this memorandum and Trump’s executive order,” she stated.
Broader Implications
The Trump administration’s crackdown on parole programs has broader implications for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. in September 2024, the Department of Homeland Security warned that those admitted under the humanitarian parole program had only two years to regularize their immigration status or face deportation.
According to internal ICE data obtained by Fox News, more than 42,000 Cubans currently have deportation orders in the U.S., but the Cuban government has refused to accept them.
Key Takeaways
| Category | Details |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| At-Risk Groups | Cubans with parole, no residency request, or deportation orders (I-220 B/A). |
| Legal Recommendations | Apply for work permits under the Cuban Adjustment Law; seek legal counsel. |
| Enforcement Timeline | Federal agencies need time and resources to implement the memorandum. |
| Potential Legal Challenges | Lawsuits could block the memorandum, similar to birthright citizenship cases. |
as the situation unfolds, Cubans on parole are urged to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect their immigration status. For more information on the Cuban Adjustment Act and other immigration resources, consult trusted legal experts.
Cubans on Humanitarian Parole Face Heightened Deportation Risks: Expert Insights with Patricia Hernández
Thousands of Cubans who entered the united States through the humanitarian parole program and the CBP One app are now at risk of deportation under a new memorandum issued by the Trump management. Immigration lawyer Patricia Hernández has warned that “there is a very large probability” that those who have been in the country for less than two years could face removal. In this interview,Senior Editor John Carter speaks with Hernández to unpack the implications of this policy,the groups most at risk,and the steps individuals can take to protect their immigration status.
Who Is Most vulnerable Under the New Policy?
John Carter: Patricia, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the basics—who is most at risk under this new memorandum?
Patricia Hernández: Thank you,John. The policy primarily targets Cubans who entered the U.S. within the last six to twelve months and have not yet met the one-year requirement to apply for a Green Card under the Cuban Adjustment Act.Those who entered with parole, have not applied for residency, or have no pending immigration applications are notably vulnerable. additionally, Cubans with an I-220 B or I-220 A—deportation orders or pending immigration cases—are also at meaningful risk.
John Carter: What advice would you give to those who fall into these categories?
Patricia Hernández: My first proposal is to seek legal counsel immediately. Notaries are not lawyers here in the United States, so it’s crucial to consult with a qualified immigration attorney. For those who have applied for residency but haven’t yet received their Green Card, applying for a work permit under the Cuban Adjustment law is essential. This ensures they have valid documentation and reduces the risk of running into issues with authorities.
Deportation Orders and Expedited Removals
John Carter: Can you explain what happens to Cubans who already have deportation orders?
Patricia Hernández: Certainly. Those with an I-220 B already have a deportation order in place,and they are at the highest risk. They can be deported at any time without needing to go through additional processes. Even those with an I-220 A, who have active immigration cases, are not safe. The January 23 memorandum allows authorities to cancel pending cases and place individuals in expedited removal proceedings, which considerably speeds up the deportation process.
Federal Enforcement and Legal Challenges
John Carter: How will this policy be enforced across the country, and do you foresee any legal challenges?
Patricia Hernández: enforcement is still uncertain. Federal agencies like ICE and the Border Patrol must interpret the executive order and issue their own guidelines. This will take time and resources, and it’s unclear whether Congress will provide the necessary funding. Though, there is potential for legal challenges. Similar to how a federal judge blocked Trump’s order on birthright citizenship,lawsuits could be filed to challenge the memorandum and delay or halt its implementation.
Broader Implications for Migrant Communities
John Carter: how does this policy impact other migrant communities, such as those from Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela?
Patricia Hernández: The crackdown on parole programs has broader implications for migrants from these countries as well. In September 2024, the Department of Homeland Security warned that those admitted under the humanitarian parole program had only two years to regularize their immigration status or face deportation. this creates a sense of urgency for all these communities to take immediate steps to secure their legal status.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
John Carter: To wrap up, what are the key takeaways for Cubans on parole and their families?
Patricia Hernández: the most critically importent thing is to stay informed and take proactive steps. Seek legal counsel,apply for work permits,and ensure all immigration paperwork is in order. While the situation is uncertain, there are avenues for protection and potential legal challenges that could mitigate the impact of this policy. For more detailed facts on the Cuban Adjustment Act and other immigration resources, consult trusted legal experts.
John Carter: Thank you, Patricia, for sharing your expertise and insights with us today. This is a critical issue, and your guidance is invaluable for those navigating these challenging circumstances.
Patricia Hernández: Thank you, John. It’s important to keep these conversations going and ensure that affected individuals have the information they need to protect their futures.