"The situation for legally entering the United States from Cuba right now is dire." This is how Florida-based immigration attorney Willy Allen describes the current legal landscape facing Cuban families seeking to reunite in the U.S.
According to Allen, "The only way for a Cuban to legally claim their family members is by being a U.S. citizen and filing for immediate relatives. This is the fastest route, covering spouses, minor children, and parents, yet there are still challenges. For unmarried adult children, the wait is 7-9 years; for married adult children, it stretches to 10-12 years. It's a harsh reality for Cuban migrants," he emphasized.
Current Obstacles to Family Reunification
Allen argues that the U.S. government aims to dismantle what it refers to as "chain migration," where a U.S. citizen sponsors a married child, who then brings their spouse and grandchildren. "This administration wants to end it. But focusing on Cuba, the country had a privileged position from 1997 until February 2025," Allen noted. Since Donald Trump became president, "there is no new pathway for family reunification for Cubans. Only existing petitions for spouses, minor children, adult children, and parents are being processed."
Challenges in Visa Processing
Discussing his weekly program on CiberCuba, Allen mentioned, "A U.S. citizen's petition for a parent typically takes 10 to 14 months. However, in Cuba, the process may be prolonged by the American embassy in Havana. Additionally, if the parent worked for the Cuban government, even without being a member of the Communist Party, their residency visa might be denied."
Allen highlighted the delays involved in legal pathways for Cuban families. "Petitions for spouses and minor children usually take 14 to 20 months, with most being approved. Unmarried adult children face a 7 to 9-year wait, while married adult children endure a 10 to 12-year wait," he stated.
According to Allen, these are the current realities for Cubans wishing to migrate legally under U.S. law. "Other visas, like the H1 work visa, are not being processed in Havana."
Understanding U.S. Immigration Challenges for Cuban Families
What is the fastest way for Cuban family reunification in the U.S.?
The quickest method is for a U.S. citizen to petition for immediate relatives, such as spouses, minor children, and parents.
How long does it take for a U.S. citizen to petition for their parent in Cuba?
Typically, it takes 10 to 14 months, but this can be delayed by the American embassy in Havana.
Why are certain visa applications being denied for Cuban parents?
If the parent worked for the Cuban government, even without Communist Party membership, their residency visa might be denied.