Cuban migrants who legally entered the United States through the CBP One program are pleading with the government to maintain their work permits. Without these permits, they face losing their legal means of support and have no clear path to adjust their immigration status.
In a video shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón, heartrending stories from these migrants highlight the devastating impact that the Trump administration's decision to revoke work permits might have on their families. These individuals, who left everything behind in pursuit of the American dream, still hold faith that the U.S. is the place to rebuild their lives, away from the repression and hardship under Cuba's communist regime.
Trump's Revocation of Work Permits
The affected migrants entered the U.S. with approved appointments through the CBP One program, a legal pathway established by President Joe Biden in 2023 to address the migration crisis. However, the Trump administration has revoked their work permits, using it as leverage to push them out of the country.
According to Pentón, a legal organization is gearing up to sue the federal government over the cancellation of benefits provided by CBP One, although a courtroom resolution might be slow to materialize. Immigration attorney Ismael Labrador described the situation as "extremely complex."
The Legal and Emotional Struggles
"The work permit was these migrants' lifeline to stay in the country while applying for political asylum," Labrador explained. "Now, if they continue to work without authorization, they risk losing any chance to regularize their status."
Labrador stressed that these migrants have not committed any crimes, and their only legal option was through the asylum process. The revocation of their work permits jeopardizes not only their livelihood but also their future in the United States.
The work permits issued under the CBP One program are set to expire this Wednesday, May 14th. Meanwhile, the testimonies collected by Pentón reveal deep anxiety and uncertainty, with migrants making a desperate appeal to the U.S. government to hear their pleas and grant what many already see as "a miracle."
Frequently Asked Questions about CBP One Program and Work Permits
What is the CBP One program?
The CBP One program is a legal pathway created to manage the migration crisis by allowing migrants to enter the United States with approved appointments.
Why are Cuban migrants' work permits being revoked?
The Trump administration has revoked the work permits as part of an effort to pressure these migrants to leave the country.
What are the implications of losing work permits for these migrants?
Losing work permits means these migrants cannot legally work to support themselves, and it complicates their ability to adjust their immigration status, potentially affecting their future in the U.S.