A Cuban resident in the United States took part in an act of solidarity by helping an 85-year-old compatriot recover her permanent residency card, which had been sent to her address by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The beneficiary, Alexis Fernández Martínez, had been waiting for months for the documentation that would allow her to establish herself legally in the country. However, the USCIS agents in charge of her case sent the card to an address where she no longer resided.
The Cuban Edel Valdés, who received the card in his mailbox, decided to turn to the media to make the situation public and find the true owner of the document. He contacted the journalist from Univisión Javier Díaz, who helped to spread the word about the case.
“Going to the media was the best option for this lady to obtain her residency. If I returned her, it could take two years before she would receive it again”, Valdés explained.
According to Díaz, the elderly woman arrived in the United States in 2023 under the humanitarian parole program or through political asylum.
After the case was reported in the media, Alexis Fernández's son managed to locate Valdés and went to his house to collect his mother's residency documents.
“This is a miracle,” exclaimed the man, who explained that in the past they had lived at the address to which USCIS sent the document. “I didn't expect this. I came here as a last resort after searching in other places and thought that maybe they would have sent it to the house where we lived before,” he added.
Valdés' gesture has been widely celebrated on social media, where many highlight the solidarity and support among Cubans in exile. However, the case also reveals the administrative mistakes that can affect immigrants, delaying their legalization process.
The immigration lawyer Patricia Hernández explained to Univisión that these errors are not uncommon. “Immigration occasionally makes mistakes when sending the permanent residency card. It is crucial for people to monitor their application. When USCIS sends the card, they always provide a tracking number. With that number, you can verify the delivery, and if there was an error, it is important to call immediately to correct it,” she advised.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance in immigration processes and the value of the Cuban community in exile, where solidarity continues to make a difference in the lives of many.
Frequently Asked Questions about Administrative Errors in Immigration Procedures and Cuban Solidarity in Exile
What happened to Alexis Fernández Martínez's permanent residency?
The permanent residency of Alexis Fernández Martínez was mistakenly sent to the wrong address, where another Cuban, Edel Valdés, resided. Valdés decided to turn to the media to find the true owner and ultimately succeeded in returning the document through Fernández's son.
What actions should immigrants take if there is an error with their permanent residency?
According to immigration attorney Patricia Hernández, it is crucial for immigrants to monitor their application and use the tracking number provided by USCIS to verify delivery. In case of an error, authorities should be contacted immediately to correct it and avoid prolonged delays in receiving the document.
Why is solidarity among Cubans in exile important?
The solidarity among Cubans in exile is essential for confronting migratory and administrative challenges. Cases like that of Edel Valdés highlight the mutual support that can help resolve issues, such as mistakes in the submission of important documents, and strengthen the community abroad.
What common administrative errors can affect immigrants in the U.S.?
Common administrative errors include the incorrect sending of documents such as permanent residency to wrong addresses. These mistakes can cause significant delays in the legalization processes and negatively affect the stability of immigrants in the country.
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