Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar announced on Friday her plans to meet with Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), next week. The focus of their discussion will be the immigration policies that have left many families in Florida's 27th District in a state of uncertainty. In a two-page statement shared on social media, Salazar emphasized her pride in being a Republican but made it clear that her loyalty lies with her constituents, who are currently facing challenges due to recent immigration actions.
Salazar will attend the meeting accompanied by fellow Florida Republican Congressmen Carlos Gimenez and Mario Díaz-Balart. All three, alongside Marco Rubio, the Cuban-American Secretary of State and interim DHS advisor, have been criticized by the Miami Democratic Caucus. The caucus even placed a billboard on the Palmetto Expressway labeling them as "traitors" for supporting President Trump's immigration policies.
In her letter, Salazar managed to express both her Republican pride and her support for her constituents against the frequent immigration measures enacted by Trump's administration. This position is particularly significant given that many Cuban voters who supported the Republican Party are now witnessing the deportation of their relatives under the I-220A form, which Salazar had promised to address through new legislation aimed at granting them permanent legal status.
Despite her personal anguish over the situation, flights continue to deport Cubans with I-220B and I-220A statuses from the United States. Their primary offense is crossing the border while seeking asylum. Notably, only two Cuban criminals were deported to Sudan after Havana refused their return.
Salazar's track record reveals her previous demands for swift action from Alejandro Mayorkas, the then-Secretary of Homeland Security under the Biden administration, to resolve the I-220A issue. Her belief that this could be easily resolved has been challenged by five months under a Republican-led government, as evidenced in her statement shared on social media.
The congresswoman highlighted the uncertainty caused by Trump's immigration actions in her district, including arrests of individuals with pending asylum cases, the termination of the CHNV (humanitarian parole) program, which has left many exposed to deportation, and other measures that threaten the due process rights that should be upheld in a democratic system.
Salazar maintains her stance that individuals with pending asylum claims and status adjustments deserve respect for their legal processes. This comes after notable cases, such as the daughter of Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer facing challenges in defending her asylum claim in court, and two sisters involved in the 11J demonstrations facing potential deportation.
Despite her advocacy, the situation remains dire as cases are often dismissed in court, followed by arrests by ICE agents. Furthermore, President Trump recently signed an executive order imposing travel restrictions on Cubans, citing national security concerns due to Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and its lack of cooperation on immigration.
This executive order specifically halts the entry of Cubans with business, tourism, student, technical study, and cultural exchange visas. This development has prompted the Florida Republican congressmen to announce their planned meeting with the DHS Secretary. Before the meeting, Salazar stated her support for expelling criminals from the U.S., hinting at her proposal to Homeland Security: focusing on deporting more criminals and fewer Cubans with I-220A status. However, the specifics of her plan will become clear only after her meeting with Kristi Noem.
Key Questions About U.S. Immigration Policies and Cuban Deportations
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A is a form issued by U.S. immigration authorities to individuals who have been released from custody under certain conditions, often pending further immigration proceedings.
Why are Cuban immigrants being deported from the U.S.?
Cuban immigrants are being deported largely due to recent U.S. immigration policies that prioritize deportations. Many have entered the country seeking asylum, but due to policy shifts, are facing deportation despite pending cases.
What are the implications of the new executive order signed by President Trump?
The new executive order prevents Cubans with certain types of visas from entering the U.S., citing national security concerns. This move further complicates the situation for many who seek entry for business, education, or cultural purposes.