A Cuban migrant holding an I-220A form took to social media to recount his experience after appearing before the Immigration Court in Orlando, Florida this Thursday. He revealed that his hearing has been rescheduled to late 2026.
"I just left the Orlando Court. I'm making this video to share information. There are many videos before going to court, but it's always good to have the latest updates," the young man shared in his testimony.
The migrant mentioned he attended the hearing with a lawyer and, after presenting himself before the judge, was given a new court date for the end of 2026. He noted that another Cuban migrant, also represented by legal counsel, received a similar date.
Expressing his concerns, he acknowledged that one of his main fears was being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upon attending court. However, he assured that the environment was "very calm" and there were no noticeable ICE operations or arrests within the courthouse.
"There was nobody making ICE detentions; there was nothing unusual. That was my biggest worry, that they would literally detain me, but everything else was perfectly fine," he said.
The young man also mentioned he was unaware of the outcomes for those who attended without lawyers, as he couldn't learn the results of their cases.
The I-220A Form: A Lifeline for Migrants
The I-220A form serves as a document of parole or supervision granted to certain migrants upon their entry into the United States. Over recent years, thousands of Cubans have been issued this status, awaiting immigration court proceedings to determine their legal stay in the country.
The federal immigration system's backlog has led to hearings being scheduled years in advance, leaving many applicants in prolonged legal uncertainty.
This Cuban's account adds to a growing number of migrant stories aimed at sharing practical information about their court appearances amidst an increasingly stringent immigration landscape under heightened federal oversight.
For now, the young man must wait until late 2026 for his next appearance before an immigration judge, while remaining free under the conditions stipulated in his I-220A form.
Understanding the I-220A Form and Immigration Court Process
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A form is a document of parole or supervision given to certain migrants upon their entry into the United States, allowing them to remain free until their immigration status is resolved.
Why are immigration court hearings being scheduled so far in advance?
The federal immigration system is experiencing a significant backlog of cases, leading to court hearings being scheduled years in advance, which results in prolonged uncertainty for many migrants.
What fears do migrants typically have when attending immigration court?
Migrants often fear being detained by ICE when attending immigration court, which adds to the stress and anxiety of their already uncertain legal situation.