A Cuban woman, known on TikTok as @cuquitaquintana_oficial, was overwhelmed with emotion on Monday as she finally held her U.S. permanent residency card after waiting for seven long years. She shared this significant moment in a video that quickly amassed over 217,000 views within just a few hours.
"I've finally done it, I've got my residency. Oh my God, everyone," she exclaimed at the beginning of the video, visibly moved and holding the card in her hand.
She explained that she received the approval notification for her residency application on September 14, though at the time, she didn't know when the physical card would arrive. "On the 14th, I cried a lot. That day I knew my residency had been approved, but I had no idea when it would arrive," she shared.
Challenges Faced by Cubans Seeking U.S. Residency
For many Cubans in the United States, obtaining permanent residency is a lengthy and complex process. Stay updated on immigration procedures, permanent residency, and other related issues in our U.S. Immigration section.
Exactly a week after the notification, the card appeared in her mailbox.
"After 7 years in this country, I'm finally getting my permanent residency," she declared. She seized the opportunity to advise those still awaiting their documents: "Do things right, take the correct path, focus on what you need to do, and always choose the right way."
The video also gained 37,200 likes and over 4,270 comments, with numerous users reacting to her emotional moment after a seven-year wait.
Current Immigration Challenges for Cubans
Residency approvals for Cubans have experienced significant delays in 2026. In January, with over 7,000 pending applications, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved only 15 residency cards for Cubans that month, according to data reported in April.
Adding to the uncertainty, many Cubans who entered the U.S. and received the I-220A form face legal disputes over whether certain conditions of their release qualify as parole, allowing them to apply for residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
A class-action lawsuit, known as Bello-Rubio v. DHS/Noem, involves 992 Cubans in this situation, seeking court recognition of their release as parole, which would enable them to apply for permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
On September 10, federal judge Jacqueline Becerra dismissed the government's attempt to throw out the lawsuit, allowing the case to proceed. While this decision doesn't automatically grant residency or resolve the litigation, it allows the plaintiffs to continue presenting their case in court.
Resonance of Personal Stories in the Cuban Community
In this context, videos of Cubans celebrating their permanent residency have become increasingly common on social media. Other cases of Cubans rejoicing over receiving their residency have sparked numerous reactions from compatriots still awaiting their documents.
The Cuban woman concluded her video with a thought-provoking message to her followers: "Remember, the compass was created before the clock, so it's more important to know where you're going than what time you arrive."
The next critical date in the Bello-Rubio case is October 9, when the government must present its arguments before the federal court.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Residency for Cubans
What are the challenges Cubans face when applying for U.S. residency?
Cubans face a lengthy and complex process when applying for U.S. residency, with significant delays and legal uncertainties, particularly regarding the interpretation of parole under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
How has the U.S. government responded to Cuban residency applications in recent years?
In recent years, the U.S. government has faced significant backlogs in processing Cuban residency applications, approving very few cases despite thousands of pending applications, as seen in early 2026.
What is the significance of the Bello-Rubio v. DHS/Noem lawsuit?
The Bello-Rubio v. DHS/Noem lawsuit is significant because it seeks to have the court recognize certain Cubans' release conditions as parole, which could affect their eligibility for residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act.