Immigration attorney Liudmila Marcelo predicted on Wednesday that the immigration freeze halting Green Card applications might be lifted between May and mid-June of 2026. She shared this insight during an interview with Tania Costa for CiberCuba.
This prediction came a day after federal judge George L. Russell III ordered the resumption of residency processes for 83 immigrant plaintiffs. His 39-page decision declared the freeze imposed by the Trump Administration as unlawful.
Tania Costa humorously summed up Marcelo's prediction: "The freeze will end by May or mid-June at the latest. That's Liudmila Marcelo's magic ball," noting that the attorney had previously correctly anticipated the timing of a judicial decision on Mark Prada's lawsuit regarding the consideration of I-220A as parole.
Marcelo's Determined Approach
Marcelo was direct in setting her timeline: "I've said several times, I'm only giving until this coming May, and by June, if the freeze hasn't ended, action needs to be taken," she stated. She referred to her plan to start filing 'mandamus,' presenting clients before a judge if the freeze preventing Green Card or citizenship acquisition remains unjustified, as a Maryland judge has just ruled.
Regarding Judge Russell III's ruling, Marcelo clarified it directly benefits only the 83 plaintiffs, not all immigrants affected by the freeze. However, she considered it a significant indicator. "It's a sign, Tania, that there is no legal basis to maintain this freeze," she emphasized.
Legal Implications and Challenges
The judge's decision stated that "USCIS has no authority to decide not to issue any decision," which Marcelo believes opens the door for new legal tools. She explained she previously avoided filing mandamus—legal actions to compel a federal agency to act—because she didn't want the government to use the freeze as an excuse. Now, with the judge's reasoning, she sees a basis for including it in these filings. "Now there's a judge's reasoning that one might rely on and include this type of reasoning in our mandamus."
Despite this, she hopes to avoid such measures. "I hope we don't have to resort to that, but it will likely be necessary."
Economic Impact on the Immigrant Community
Marcelo also lamented the financial burden these legal options place on a community already facing severe hardships. "Unfortunately, there are many issues that bring additional costs for the client," she said, highlighting that most affected individuals "don't even have active work permits."
The situation regarding work permits for Cuban immigrants is equally critical, according to the attorney. "We've called, put in requests, clients have called, I've called, and every time I submit a request, they tell me I can't or that they're still within the time frame, even though a year has passed."
The immigration freeze imposed by Trump since January 21, 2026, affects citizens from at least 39 countries, including Cuba, suspending the processing of status adjustments, naturalizations, work permits, and asylum. The impact on Cubans has been devastating, with Green Card approvals plummeting from over 10,000 monthly in October 2024 to just 15 in January 2026.
Marcelo also warned that the government might appeal the Maryland judge's decision, adding uncertainty about whether the ruling will have broader effects in the short term.
Understanding the Green Card Freeze and Its Implications
What is the Green Card freeze?
The Green Card freeze is a suspension of immigration processes that halts applications for status adjustments, naturalizations, work permits, and asylum, affecting immigrants from multiple countries, including Cuba.
Who benefits from Judge Russell III's ruling?
Judge Russell III's ruling directly benefits 83 immigrant plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit, but it also signals the potential for broader legal challenges to the freeze.
What are the economic impacts of this freeze on immigrants?
The freeze has led to significant financial strain on immigrants, many of whom cannot obtain work permits, increasing their economic vulnerability.