The saga of Alex and Yan, a Cuban couple whose story touched the hearts of Syracuse and sparked solidarity across New York, has encountered another significant setback. An immigration judge has ruled that Yannier Vázquez Hidalgo be deported to Ecuador, a nation with which he has no ties, just a week after a similar decision was rendered against his husband, Alcibiades “Alex” Lázaro Ramírez González.
As reported by Syracuse.com, which has been closely following the case, Judge Brian Counihan concluded that Vázquez Hidalgo does not qualify for the Cuban Adjustment Act. This legal avenue often shields Cuban migrants but was denied to Yannier because he entered the U.S. without requesting asylum at an official port of entry.
Unexpected Deportation to Ecuador
The ruling is particularly perplexing as Yannier is Cuban, has never visited Ecuador, and lacks any familial, residential, or support connections there. Despite this, the decision is based on a recent agreement between the United States and Ecuador to accept asylum seekers redirected from other countries, which the defense argues should not be retroactively applied.
This judicial decision exacerbates the plight of a couple who fled Cuba to escape persecution and homophobia, married legally in the U.S., and established a stable life in Syracuse. Both were employed at the SUNY Upstate University Hospital—Alex as an environmental services supervisor and Yannier as a janitor—owned a home, and were deeply integrated into their community.
Community Support Amidst Legal Battles
The couple was arrested by ICE agents last October during a routine immigration appointment. Since then, they have been detained at the Batavia facility, separated and only able to see each other briefly through glass or in passing, as shared by family members.
Last week, another judge already ordered Alex's deportation to Ecuador, a decision that shocked unions, activists, and local officials. Now, with the ruling against Yannier, the prospect of a double deportation to an unfamiliar country looms larger and more daunting.
During the hearing, Yannier’s attorney, Irma Ramírez, argued that Ecuador is not a safe destination, even for those without prior connections. She highlighted issues like gang violence and police extortion, stressing that sending a gay Cuban man to an unknown country places him in an exceptionally vulnerable position.
Legal and Community Reactions
Despite Yannier's appeals and the significant community backing, the judge deemed the claims of potential persecution or torture as "too general," partly because Yannier has never resided there. This judgment disregards the fact that both men had applied for asylum in the U.S. and had passed immigration evaluations acknowledging a credible threat to their lives in Cuba due to their sexual orientation.
In Syracuse, the couple's plight has stirred widespread support. Unions like United University Professions (UUP) and CSEA, along with coworkers, neighbors, and activists, have organized protests, candlelight vigils, and public campaigns with the slogan “Survival isn’t illegal.” Even New York Governor Kathy Hochul has met with the couple's family, and local leaders have voiced concerns over what they see as inhumane and unjust treatment.
As the February 22 deadline approaches for Yannier to appeal the decision that could send him to Ecuador, the clock ticks down. The possibility that a couple seeking refuge, love, and safety in the United States might end up separated and deported to a country they neither chose nor know becomes increasingly real.
FAQs on Deportation and Asylum for Cuban Nationals
Why was Yannier Vázquez Hidalgo ordered to be deported to Ecuador?
Yannier Vázquez Hidalgo was ordered to be deported to Ecuador as part of a recent agreement between the U.S. and Ecuador to accept asylum seekers redirected from other countries, despite having no ties to Ecuador.
What legal protections were denied to Yannier Vázquez Hidalgo?
Yannier was denied eligibility under the Cuban Adjustment Act, a law that often protects Cuban migrants, because he entered the U.S. without applying for asylum at an official port of entry.
How has the community in Syracuse responded to the deportation orders?
The Syracuse community has shown strong support through protests, vigils, and public campaigns, asserting that "Survival isn’t illegal," and urging a reconsideration of the deportation orders.