Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar once again sent a message of encouragement to the thousands of Cubans who hold the migration status I-220A.
"I will not give up until they have the parole that allows them to benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act," assured the Republican representative, who has established herself as the strongest voice for her fellow nationals in Washington.
Salazar has promoted initiatives for those who received this temporary stay permit – which does not guarantee a clear path to permanent residency – to obtain humanitarian parole as a necessary preliminary step before applying for a status adjustment.
"There are half a million Cubans, young people, individuals who want to start businesses in this country, to work, who do not want to come to live off the government, but to contribute to the American economy; I know this very well," emphasized the congresswoman.
"Every day in the federal congress that is in session, I speak for you, the 1-220," he added.
The I-220A has provided protection to thousands of Cubans arriving in the United States in recent years, but it has generated legal confusion regarding their status. While it permits entry into the country, it does not qualify them to apply for permanent residency under the Adjustment Act.
The commitment of Cuban-American politics to this cause has earned it criticism both inside and outside of Miami.
After the recent appearance of a billboard on the Palmetto Expressway labeling her as "traitor" -promoted by the Miami-Dade Democratic Hispanic Caucus-, she responded: "Those who call me a traitor should come and see if they can do what I’m doing, and I’m very happy to be doing it, even though this is the job where I’ve worked the hardest and been paid the least."
In contrast, the I-220A community responded by installing six of their own fences to express their gratitude for their defense and to remind them that they are not alone.
This week, Salazar celebrated another significant achievement: the release of Yadira Cantallops, a Cuban mother who had been detained by ICE.
"One more liberated!" she wrote on her X account, along with the hashtag #I220A. "I do not forget those who are still detained or the thousands trapped in legal limbo. My fight does not end until they receive the parole they deserve!" she added.
With the backing of his congressional team and the growing pressure from the Cuban community, Salazar is confident that the Trump administration will acknowledge the need for a migration remedy for the I-220A.
"With the help of God and this republican administration," he said, "you will receive your parole, you will become American citizens, and later you will be able to return to contribute to the reconstruction of the country that saw you born, already with a United States passport in hand," he emphasized.
Frequently Asked Questions about I-220A Immigration Status and the Actions of María Elvira Salazar
What is the I-220A immigration status and how does it affect Cubans in the United States?
The I-220A status is a supervised release order granted to certain Cuban migrants in the United States. While it allows entry into the country, it does not provide a clear path to permanent residency or solid immigration benefits, leaving many in a legal limbo. This status has created uncertainty, as it does not allow individuals to directly benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act, complicating their legal and social integration.
What actions has María Elvira Salazar taken to help Cubans with I-220A?
María Elvira Salazar has been an active advocate for Cubans with I-220A in the United States Congress. She has pushed for initiatives that would allow them to obtain humanitarian parole, which would enable them to take advantage of the Cuban Adjustment Act. Additionally, she has held meetings with officials from the Department of Homeland Security and has promoted a bill to regularize their immigration status.
What criticisms has María Elvira Salazar faced for her support of Cubans with I-220A?
María Elvira Salazar has faced criticism from both political opponents and some sectors of the Cuban community. She has been accused of being a "traitor" for not sufficiently supporting immigrants against restrictive immigration policies. However, she has also received support from the I-220A community, which has placed billboards thanking her for her defense. Salazar has responded to the criticisms by reaffirming her commitment to Cuban immigrants.
What is the current situation of Cubans with I-220A in the United States?
Cubans with I-220A face legal limbo and risk of deportation. Despite advocacy efforts, many still lack clear legal status that would allow them to benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act. Recent restrictive measures from the Trump administration have increased pressure on these immigrants, and legislative efforts to regularize their situation are still ongoing.
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