A Cuban family, residing in the United States for over five years under the I-220A form without a scheduled immigration hearing, experienced tense moments before their appointment with ICE in Orlando, Florida. Fortunately, the meeting concluded without arrests, and they were given a court date set for 2028, according to their account.
The family's story was shared by a Cuban woman through a video on Facebook, aiming to alleviate the fears of other migrants hesitant to attend their appointments with U.S. authorities.
Unfolding Events at the ICE Appointment
The woman explained that her family, which includes her husband and two young daughters, entered the U.S. in March 2021 and had not yet received a date to appear before an immigration court.
The situation shifted on September 25, when ICE agents detained her husband for several hours, issuing a notice for the family to appear on Tuesday, October 20.
"We were practically in distress, not knowing what would happen—if we would be deported or allowed to stay. We knew nothing," she confessed, recalling the anxiety leading up to the appointment.
During the encounter with ICE, she was informed via phone that her daughters did not need to be present due to being minors, but they were required to bring the passports and U.S. identification documents for all family members.
The meeting was scheduled for 8 a.m., but they were attended to around 10 a.m. and remained at the facility until approximately 1 p.m.
The agents collected their fingerprints and communicated a court date before an immigration judge in 2028, providing a sense of relief with a document that might protect them from re-arrest by immigration officials.
Understanding the Legal Implications
"This document is for if immigration stops you," the woman stated while showing the paper on camera. She interpreted it as proof of prior processing, potentially preventing further detention until their court appearance in 2028.
However, she did not specify the type of document, and her account does not confirm it legally prevents future ICE detentions.
The family also received a follow-up appointment with ICE for the next year, required to return for signing, as part of immigration supervision conditions.
Additionally, they were provided with information on immigration attorneys and documents verifying their ICE appearance.
The woman felt compelled to share her experience, knowing the fear among other Cubans in similar situations, many of whom self-deport out of fear of deportation upon attending ICE appointments.
She noted that some individuals had to reschedule due to not presenting their passports. Those processing the document could bring proof of application, according to her experience in the Orlando office, though this may not apply to all ICE offices.
Requirements and conditions can differ across offices and immigration processes, necessitating direct confirmation with authorities before each appointment.
Does Having a Court Date Prevent Deportation?
While this family could return home after their appointment, their experience does not guarantee the same outcome for others with I-220A, nor does having a scheduled hearing automatically prevent arrest or deportation.
The I-220A form is a release order under specific immigration conditions. It is not equivalent to parole and does not assure permanent residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Many Cubans who entered the U.S. with I-220A endure uncertainty without a hearing date.
Individuals with pending immigration procedures should verify their hearings through the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) system and seek legal advice before making decisions about their stay in the U.S.
FAQs on Immigration Procedures for I-220A Holders
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A form is a release order under specific immigration conditions, allowing individuals to remain in the U.S. under supervision. It does not grant parole or guarantee permanent residency.
Can a court date prevent deportation?
Having a court date does not automatically prevent arrest or deportation. It merely schedules a hearing before an immigration judge to review the case.
How can individuals check their immigration hearing dates?
Individuals can verify their hearing dates through the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) system, which provides information on scheduled immigration court appearances.