Immigration lawyer Willy Allen III advises Cubans with I-220A documentation to maintain a "low profile," as he firmly believes the Trump Administration is aware that arguments supporting this immigration status as a parole are set to emerge in December 2025. This development could potentially allow them to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act, considering the majority have been in the United States for more than a year and a day.
According to Allen III, this anticipation has driven Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to ramp up arrests and deportations of Cubans. Once the I-220A is recognized as parole through the expected judicial decision by January 2026, or at least within the first quarter of 2026, it will enable thousands of Cubans to regularize their immigration status.
In a conversation with CiberCuba, Allen III emphasized that those currently without legal residency in the United States are at risk of detention and deportation. With ICE pursuing a target to arrest 3,000 immigrants daily, they will seize any opportunity to make arrests.
"It's a very sad situation. It's a tragedy unfolding before us," stated the son of renowned attorney Willy Allen, who operates out of his father's offices in Florida and Kentucky.
Precautionary Measures for I-220A Holders
When asked by CiberCuba if it's advisable for an I-220A holder to report a minor crime, Allen III, while confident in the U.S. legal system's protective nature, suggests reporting by phone or through someone with legal residency to avoid arrest. This precaution stems from an incident where a Cuban father with I-220A status was detained by ICE after reporting his child's attempted abduction at a school in Orlando.
The family reached out to CiberCuba to highlight this extreme case, which Allen III believes should not have occurred. He maintains that all I-220A holders will eventually be legalized, but he acknowledges the process will be slow, akin to the experience of Cubans who arrived during the Mariel boatlift in the 1980s, which took nearly nine years for legalization.
The Legal Argument for I-220A as Parole
During his university years, Allen III conducted in-depth research on the I-220A status, asserting there are strong grounds for it to be recognized as parole. This is especially pertinent as judges apply the Matter of Q.Li and Matter of Yahure Hurtado rulings, which severely restrict the ability of detained I-220A immigrants to await trial on bail. If these precedents are valid for denying bail, they should also validate considering I-220A entry as parole.
Understanding I-220A and Its Implications
What is the significance of I-220A being considered a parole?
If I-220A is considered a parole, it allows holders to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act, facilitating their path to legal residency in the United States.
Why are ICE agents increasing detentions of Cubans with I-220A status?
ICE agents are intensifying detentions as a response to the potential recognition of I-220A as parole, which could allow many Cubans to regularize their status, contradicting the current administration's immigration goals.