An individual from Cuba, who legally resides in the United States, recounted to Univision journalist Javier Díaz the intense questioning he endured upon returning from Costa Rica. This occurred under the Trump administration's directive to scrutinize all Green Cards issued to citizens from 19 countries, including Cuba.
The migrant, personally known to the journalist and deemed trustworthy, described a starkly different experience upon landing at the U.S. airport compared to previous trips.
"Upon entering, I was taken into a small room with two officers," he recounted. "They started questioning me, explaining that from now on, every Cuban resident entering will undergo this verification process."
According to his account, the officers meticulously examined his passport for any recent travels to Cuba, a focal point in the new presidential order.
"They checked my passport for any recent entries into Cuba," he stated. "They asked for my entry documents and since I didn't have them, I had to detail the entire process of being detained crossing the river."
The Cuban individual described the interrogation as prolonged and filled with suspicion.
"They asked me all sorts of questions... The treatment was really bad," he lamented.
As the questioning concluded, the officers left him with a pointed warning:
"They advised me not to leave the country again because they're going to review all residencies and suspend many, at each officer's discretion," he revealed.
He emphasized sharing his experience solely to alert other migrants: "I'm telling you just so you know and can inform others."
However, it's crucial to clarify that an immigration officer at an airport cannot unilaterally cancel or revoke a Green Card. What they can do is:
- Record traveler information
- Ask verification questions
- Refer a case for further review
- In extreme cases, issue a notice to appear before an immigration judge
The cancellation of residency can only occur through a formal legal process, conducted by USCIS or an immigration judge, never arbitrarily or immediately at an airport.
This account aligns with the recent policy shift. It follows the confirmation by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that under Trump's directive, all Green Cards issued to citizens from 19 "countries of concern" will be reviewed. This list includes Cuba, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, Libya, and others under stringent national security scrutiny.
The directive suggests that thousands of Cubans with a Green Card, including those benefitting from family reunification, asylum, political refuge, or humanitarian parole, might face delays, additional requirements, or even revocation if authorities detect irregularities.
The DHS has also confirmed that this review includes cases approved during Joe Biden's administration as part of a broader internal verification process.
This order is part of Trump's more aggressive immigration policy, which aims to eliminate migrant benefits, permanently halt migration from "Third World" countries, and enforce what he calls a "reverse migration" strategy.
Concurrently, all asylum decisions have been frozen by the White House following a recent attack in Washington D.C., leaving thousands of applicants, including Cubans, in a legal limbo.
Again, the Cuban's testimony is not meant to instill fear but to caution frequent travelers about the possibility of encountering similar checks while this review remains active.
"Simply be cautious about where you travel and why you leave the country," concluded Javier Díaz in his report, aware that this experience may become the new reality for thousands of Cubans under these measures.
Understanding the Impact of Green Card Reviews on Cuban Residents
What changes have been made to the review process for Green Cards under Trump's administration?
The Trump administration has mandated a comprehensive review of all Green Cards issued to citizens from 19 countries deemed "countries of concern," including Cuba. This involves scrutinizing entry records and determining if there are any irregularities in the issuance process.
Can an immigration officer revoke a Green Card at an airport?
No, an immigration officer at an airport cannot revoke a Green Card on their own. They can record traveler information, ask verification questions, refer a case for deeper review, or issue a notice to appear before an immigration judge.