Florida Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar recently engaged in a conversation with influencer Alexander Otaola on his YouTube show, El Mañanero, to discuss the situation of Cubans entering the United States under the I-220A immigration form and the prospects for Cuba's future.
During the informal chat, which took place over breakfast, Otaola expressed a strong opinion that Cubans with I-220A status should be expelled from Miami. He argued that this form has been exploited by individuals connected to the Cuban regime who seek to settle in the U.S. without deserving immigration benefits. According to him, a mass expulsion would be a fair solution.
Salazar's Balanced Perspective on Immigration
In contrast, Salazar adopted a more balanced stance. "I am part of Trump's group, but I don't believe in stripping Venezuelans of TPS or the legality of I-220A cases," she stated. She emphasized that the Cuban Adjustment Act allows Cubans to obtain citizenship. "Why would we take away that privilege?" she questioned.
Salazar stressed the importance of discerning who receives immigration benefits, noting that innocent individuals should not suffer because of the actions of others. "ICE has been allocated $150 billion under the Trump administration to verify each case," she noted.
Criticism of Biden's Immigration Policies
However, she acknowledged the inefficiencies in ICE's monitoring of immigrants and lamented the situation. "We're swinging like a pendulum, from Biden's chaos to the other extreme. It's important to understand that Biden is largely at fault for the border crisis over the last four years," she remarked.
Salazar underscored that the U.S. has the technical and financial capability to scrutinize each case and ensure that Cubans with I-220A, who are often good people and professionals contributing to the country, do not lose their legal status. "I don't believe most of those who entered are bad," she concluded, referencing Cuban migrants under this immigration status.
Both Otaola and the congresswoman agreed in holding the Biden administration accountable for the current U.S. migration crisis, attributing it to lax border policies that, in their view, allowed criminals and drug trafficking organizations into the country.
Envisioning Cuba's Future
As for Cuba's future, Otaola inquired if Salazar believes that the fall of Maduro would lead to the end of the Cuban dictatorship. "I believe that under President Trump's administration, which still has three more years, this hemisphere will be liberated," Salazar responded.
She further expressed that after the dictatorship's fall, the major challenge will be for all Cubans, both inside and outside the country, to establish a stable political and economic system. "We must create a legal framework and a model that attracts foreign investment, offering the world a chance to assist in the country's reconstruction," she articulated.
Insights into Cuban Immigrants and U.S. Immigration Policies
What is the I-220A immigration form?
The I-220A is an immigration form used by certain individuals entering the United States, which is often associated with those who have connections to the Cuban regime.
What did María Elvira Salazar say about the Cuban Adjustment Act?
Salazar emphasized that the Cuban Adjustment Act allows Cubans to obtain U.S. citizenship and questioned why this privilege should be removed.
How did María Elvira Salazar view the Biden administration's role in the migration crisis?
Salazar criticized the Biden administration for its border policies, which she believes have contributed significantly to the current migration crisis in the United States.