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The Cuban opposition figure Lázaro Yuri Valle Roca and his wife, Eralidis Frómeta, claim to feel "very scared" at the possibility of being deported to Cuba, a return they describe as "a death sentence."
This was stated in statements made to Telemundo 51, after receiving, last Friday, a notification from the Department of Homeland Security of the United States (DHS).
The notice states that they must leave the country before April 24, when their parole expires. For them, returning to Cuba would mean facing once again the political repression they suffered on the Island.
Valle Roca, an independent journalist and former political prisoner, was incarcerated for nearly three years in the Combinado del Este prison in Havana.
He was released and sent directly to the airport to fly to Miami, thanks to the intervention of his wife and efforts made at the U.S. embassy in Havana.
"From embassy to embassy, they arranged an appointment for me to get to the American embassy. We already had a parole set up by my brother, who is an American citizen," Frómeta explained.
That parole allowed them to enter the United States with the expectation of applying for the Cuban Adjustment Act after one year and one day of residency in the country.
However, the recent implementation of more restrictive immigration measures by the administration of Donald Trump, specifically Executive Order 14165 of January 20, has put their stay in the country at risk. The order eliminates humanitarian parole programs for foreigners from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
"Anyone who has humanitarian parole and is Cuban does not worry me. They are not in danger of being deported. They can wait, and after a year and a day, they will be able to legalize," stated immigration attorney Willy Allen.
"The tragic thing is the time they will have to wait for a work permit, because they lose it and any application process is on hold," he added.
For his part, Frómeta stated that if they return to Cuba, they will do so by expressing their opposition to the Cuban regime. "If we have to return, as soon as we get off the plane, we'll shout: 'Down with Díaz-Canel, down with Raúl Castro, down with the dictatorship' and continue the fight from Cuba."
Valle Roca also reaffirmed his commitment to the struggle for Cuba's freedom: "As always, I will be defending my country, fighting for the freedom of my homeland."
This situation has caused alarm in the Cuban exile community, especially among those who have taken refuge under humanitarian parole and now face an uncertain future due to the new U.S. immigration policies.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deportation Risk of Lázaro Yuri Valle Roca and Humanitarian Parole
Why is Lázaro Yuri Valle Roca facing deportation from the United States?
Lázaro Yuri Valle Roca faces deportation due to the revocation of the humanitarian parole implemented by the Donald Trump administration. This measure affects citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, eliminating the parole programs that allowed these migrants to remain legally in the United States.
What are the consequences of the revocation of humanitarian parole for Cubans in the United States?
The revocation of humanitarian parole means that beneficiaries must leave the United States before the expiration date of their status, or they could face expedited deportation proceedings. Additionally, they lose their work permit and find themselves in a legal limbo if they do not have another legal avenue to remain in the country.
What legal alternatives do Cubans with humanitarian parole have when facing deportation?
Cubans can consider alternatives such as the Cuban Adjustment Act to obtain permanent residency after one year and one day in the country. They can also explore political asylum or an employment visa, as long as they meet the established requirements. It is crucial that they seek legal advice to assess their options.
How does this situation affect the Cuban exiled community in the United States?
The Cuban exiled community is alarmed by the possibility of mass deportations, especially for those who have received humanitarian parole. The uncertainty generated by the new immigration policies has heightened concerns about the safety and future of these migrants in the United States.
What did lawyer Willy Allen say about the risk of deportation for Cubans with humanitarian parole?
The lawyer Willy Allen assured that "the likelihood of Cubans who entered on parole being detained and deported is zero." He urges calm to those in this situation, suggesting that the administration's intention is to intimidate, but that there are not enough resources to carry out mass deportations.
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