Cubans with I-220A form being detained as U.S. immigration policy shifts

Under the Trump administration’s revised immigration policies, Cubans who previously benefited from special U.S. treatment are now facing increased detention. 

A policy shift, rather than new legislation, is contributing to the detention of Cubans holding form I-220A, who were not granted parole upon entering the U.S. Immigration lawyers emphasize the heightened severity of the current approach, noting that these individuals, despite often having work authorization and pending asylum claims, are now being detained during routine appointments. 

This change affects Cubans who entered via the U.S.-Mexico border, as the I-220A form has been interpreted by the Board of Immigration Appeals to prevent them from obtaining permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of Cubans find themselves in legal limbo, facing potential detention despite efforts by legal advocates to secure their release.