Florida-based immigration attorney Willy Allen has identified which Cuban I-220A recipients he considers to be "fortunate." According to Allen, these individuals are those who do not have a court date, are not required to report to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and possess a valid work permit for five years. "These are the I-220A holders with the greatest blessings. Essentially, we're talking about privileges. They don't need to report to ICE, they don't have to appear in court, and there's no risk of detention as long as they avoid criminal activities like bank robbery, street fighting, or drug dealing. Live your life peacefully, be patient, and your residency will come to you," Allen stated during his weekly program on CiberCuba, aired every Monday at 11:00 AM.
Allen clarified that in these situations, there is no issue if someone decides to contact USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) to inquire about their legal status. "You can always call USCIS and check on your application's status. Ultimately, these I-220As will be legalized," he emphasized.
Allen's comments were made a day before Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar introduced an enhanced version of her Dignity Act in Washington. This new iteration, supported by Democrat Veronica Escobar, marks the first bipartisan immigration proposal in Congress in decades, according to Salazar's office.
"We'll see what this dignity version entails when she presents it tomorrow (Tuesday). At the end of the day, if she proposes this law, that's wonderful. It addresses a much-needed comprehensive immigration reform. I suspect this bill will garner little support and may take time to progress. I'm unsure if it will even pass committee discussions, but at least her effort to mention and discuss immigration reform and legalizing individuals instead of detaining and deporting them is positive. The idea of this law is intriguing, but I can't comment without seeing the details. Still, I believe her effort deserves some credit," Allen remarked. Previously, he has criticized the congresswoman, arguing that I-220A holders could benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act, which he believes should be emphasized.
Willy Allen stresses that if Salazar's Dignity Act is successful, it could solve issues in the long term, but in the short term, immigrants remain vulnerable to mass deportations. "The problem is not a future law; the issue is immediate. There are ongoing immigration court proceedings. Today, Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Hondurans, and Guatemalans are being detained in these immigration courts," he told CiberCuba. "Today, authorities might raid a workplace, like they did in North Carolina, and detain workers who are doing essential jobs here. We need some form of response to the mass detentions happening now," he added.
Allen also criticized the notion that Alligator Alcatraz was intended for criminals, explaining that he has two clients detained at the Florida facility. "They are not criminals; they're two Cubans with I-220A, each having been in the United States for over three years. They appeared in court and were detained," he concluded.
Understanding the Impact of I-220A and Immigration Policies
What is the I-220A status?
The I-220A status is a form of immigration relief that allows individuals to remain in the United States under certain conditions. It typically involves not needing to report to ICE or appear in court, and it can include a work permit valid for several years.
Why is the Dignity Act important?
The Dignity Act is significant because it represents a potential bipartisan effort to address comprehensive immigration reform in the United States, aiming to legalize those living in the country rather than detain and deport them.
What challenges do immigrants face with current policies?
Under current policies, immigrants face challenges such as the risk of detention and deportation, ongoing immigration court proceedings, and workplace raids that disrupt their lives and employment.