Immigration attorney Willy Allen Jr. has firmly asserted that I-220A forms are effectively equivalent to parole. In an interview with CiberCuba, he highlighted the anticipation of a Federal Civil Court's arguments in October regarding whether the I-220A constitutes a legal entry. By January 2026, a more definitive ruling on the status of I-220A is expected.
When asked by CiberCuba about the length of the process for I-220A holders to legalize their status, Allen Jr. noted that those who entered through the Mariel boatlift had to endure an 8-9 year wait for legalization. However, he does not foresee the same timeline for I-220A holders.
His father, the esteemed attorney Willy Allen, is confident that I-220A holders will eventually achieve legal status. He believes that the current delay in recognizing I-220A as a parole is largely influenced by "the times we are living in" and "the pressure that this Government and Administration can exert on the judges."
"I can't say for certain, but I have a strong belief that I-220A holders will eventually be able to regularize their status. We've waited years for this, but as Willy Allen frequently points out, those who entered during the Mariel boatlift had to wait 8 or 9 years for legalization. I don't think it will take as long for I-220A holders, as we anticipate the final arguments will be presented in October at the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Federal Civil Court in the region that includes Florida. Based on those arguments, a decision on the legality of the I-220A entry should not take more than three or four months, with a more concrete decision expected by January."
Additionally, Allen Jr. mentions that the Matter of Q. Li is beneficial for I-220A holders. If judges apply it to deny bonds, they should also use it to conclude that the I-220A is a form of parole, ultimately benefiting I-220A holders.
Echoing his father's views, Willy Allen Jr. believes that upon entering the United States, I-220A holders were inspected and admitted, effectively granting them parole status. This allows Cuban nationals to qualify for the Cuban Adjustment Act after one year and one day in the United States. He also pointed out the inconsistency of families entering through the Mexican border, where mothers and children received parole while fathers were issued an I-220A, emphasizing, "That doesn't make sense."
I-220A and Parole Legal Implications
What is the significance of the I-220A in U.S. immigration?
The I-220A is significant in U.S. immigration as it is often considered a form of parole, which can influence the legal status of immigrants, particularly under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
How does the Matter of Q. Li affect I-220A holders?
The Matter of Q. Li can assist I-220A holders by establishing legal precedents that judges may use to interpret I-220A as a form of parole, thereby benefiting the holders in their legal status adjustments.