A Cuban woman, who holds the I-220A form without an assigned court date, took to TikTok to express her frustration over her uncertain immigration status in the United States. Despite fulfilling the requirement of waiting one year and one day to apply, her bid for residency was rejected.
In her video, she explained that officials turned down her adjustment of status application, asserting that the I-220A “does not constitute a legal entry into the country” and that she needed to provide “more compelling arguments” to qualify for residency.
“Now, with two cases showing it was an incorrect admission, an erroneous process, and a wrong document issued to us, I decided to consult my lawyers,” she shared on her TikTok account, @kiry_ge.
The recent legal precedents questioning the validity of the I-220A as a lawful admission prompted her to seek further legal advice. She considered whether to reopen her case, file a new application, or simply wait for a more definitive policy change.
In a subsequent update, she revealed her lawyer’s advice: her case cannot be reopened, leaving her with the only option of restarting the residency application process from scratch. This would require paying fees again with no assurance of approval.
“Her most personal recommendation was to wait two or three months to see if more cases are approved or how the situation unfolds,” she explained.
She also offered a warning to other Cubans in similar situations: “Every case is different, and everyone makes their own decisions. Let’s hope this all gets resolved in the best possible way.”
Thousands of Cubans are currently in legal limbo in the United States, having received the I-220A form. This form is used by immigration authorities to provisionally release migrants, but its legal interpretation has been the subject of considerable debate.
The absence of a court date complicates these cases further, making it difficult for individuals to access a clear legal process to regularize their status in the country.
Understanding the I-220A Form and Its Impact on Cuban Migrants
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A form is used by U.S. immigration authorities for the provisional release of migrants. However, its status as a legal entry document has been widely disputed.
Why was the Cuban woman's residency application denied?
Her residency application was denied because the I-220A is not recognized as a legal entry into the United States, and she was required to provide additional justification for her eligibility.
What options are available for Cubans with I-220A forms?
Cubans with I-220A forms may need to consult legal experts to consider reopening their cases, filing new applications, or awaiting changes in immigration policy.