Frank Abel González Bernal, a Cuban broadcaster known for his involvement in the island's state-run radio and television, was brought to tears after receiving a deportation notice from U.S. immigration authorities. Currently residing in South Florida, González Bernal had applied for political asylum after arriving in the United States three years ago.
González Bernal, who entered the country via the southern border with an I-220A form, took to social media to share his distressing situation. In a video shared on Cuban content channels he collaborates with, Destinotolk and Fernan_Show, the former broadcaster appears visibly upset as he presents the deportation letter.
His case adds to the thousands of Cubans who, after crossing from Mexico into the U.S., received the I-220A form—a document granting supervised release but not considered a legal admission to the country, thus making them ineligible for the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Despite seeking asylum in Tampa, his case has not progressed favorably, and he now faces potential deportation back to Cuba. A class-action lawsuit seeks to have the I-220A recognized as a valid document for adjusting immigration status, but the legal proceedings are yet to reach a conclusive outcome. Meanwhile, many, like Frank Abel, remain in a legal limbo.
Frank Abel González was a prominent figure in Cuban radio and television, participating in programs such as "El Exitazo" on Radio Taíno and "De tarde en casa" with Raquel Mayedo. In January 2022, he surprised many by arriving in Miami and requesting political asylum after publicly stating that in Cuba, "a professional starves."
"I had my job, but I was starving," he said at the time to Univision 23. His departure from Cuba was discreet and only became known after a welcome post by fellow Cubans in the U.S. Frank Abel's arrival in Miami sparked controversy due to alleged past social media posts in which he reportedly criticized independent journalists and civic movements like 27N and San Isidro. Although he denied making such comments, some colleagues claimed they existed but were later deleted.
Understanding Frank Abel's Deportation Case
What is the significance of the I-220A form for Cuban migrants?
The I-220A form allows supervised release but is not seen as a legal admission into the U.S., making recipients ineligible for the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Why did Frank Abel González Bernal apply for asylum in the U.S.?
He applied for asylum claiming that, like many professionals in Cuba, he was unable to sustain himself despite having a job, highlighting the economic hardships faced.
What controversies surrounded Frank Abel's arrival in Miami?
His arrival was controversial due to alleged previous social media posts attacking independent journalists and civic movements, which he has denied making.