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Thousands of Cubans were selected for the 2025 visa lottery. This program allows them to apply for an immigrant visa, and they should not waste time in submitting their applications. The U.S. Department of State has announced that 2,348 Cubans were winners of the 2025 Visa Lottery. This annual program provides a unique opportunity to obtain an immigrant visa and start a new life in the United States. The fortunate selected individuals will be able to begin the process of applying for their visas starting October 1, 2024, and will have until September 30, 2025, to enter the country. Winners will receive a notification letter detailing the next steps to follow. It is essential that they carefully follow the provided instructions, as any mistakes could delay or even invalidate their opportunity to obtain the visa. One of the first steps will be to complete the DS-260 form online, a crucial requirement to advance in the process. In addition to completing the necessary documentation, principal applicants will need to prepare for an interview in which they must demonstrate that they meet the established educational or work requirements. Specifically, they must prove that they have completed secondary education or its equivalent, or have two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience in the past five years. It is important to highlight that, although they were winners of the lottery, not all selected individuals will have a visa available. Therefore, it is crucial that winners do not waste time in their process and consider seeking advice from a specialist to ensure that they meet all the requirements and maximize their chances of success. If you are one of the lucky winners, do not let this opportunity pass you by. Prepare well and make sure to follow all the necessary steps to turn this dream into reality.

Since the implementation of the humanitarian parole program by the United States government in January 2023, more than 100,000 Cubans have received approval to emigrate to the United States. This initiative, aimed at facilitating legal and safe migration, has provided new opportunities for thousands of Cubans seeking a better life in the U.S. According to recent data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office, as of May 2024, 100,500 Cubans have been approved under this program. Of these, 98,200 have already made the journey and have legally entered the United States. This travel permit is valid for 90 days, allowing some beneficiaries to plan their trip with a bit of time after receiving approval. In April, the number of Cubans who had entered the country was 91,000, indicating that in just one month, more than 7,000 Cubans made the journey to the United States, highlighting the significance and positive reception of this program. Impact of Humanitarian Parole on Other Communities Although the Cuban community has been one of the beneficiaries, the majority of approvals for the humanitarian parole program have been granted to the Haitian community. In the 17 months since the program began, 193,400 applications from Haitian citizens have been approved, of which 177,100 have legally entered the United States, representing nearly 42% of the total beneficiaries. Additionally, the program has approved applications for 87,800 Nicaraguans and 113,400 Venezuelans. Of these, approximately 80,700 Nicaraguans and 106,100 Venezuelans have arrived in the United States and have been granted parole by a CBP officer at the border. Humanitarian Parole Program: Objectives and Procedures The humanitarian parole program, implemented by the Biden Administration, aims to provide a safe and orderly path for migration. In this way, it seeks to reduce dangerous journeys and human trafficking, which have caused so many tragedies in the past. To participate in this program, interested individuals must complete and submit Form I-134A (Declaration of Financial Support) through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. A fundamental requirement is to have a sponsor in the United States who can guarantee their financial support during their stay in the country. The humanitarian parole program has proven to be an effective tool for facilitating the legal and safe migration of citizens from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua. By providing a viable and legal alternative, the program helps thousands of people avoid the dangers associated with irregular migration. If you have questions about how this program could benefit you or if you want more information about other immigration options, Legal en USA, an immigration law office in Miami, is here to help you. Our team of experts is available to provide you with the best advice and assistance on immigration matters. Call us at 305-446-8686 for a personalized consultation.

Crimes committed in your past can make you ineligible for the 'parole in place' announced by the White House. However, having a criminal record does not automatically exclude you. On August 19, 2024, a key date will arrive for immigrants seeking to regularize their status in the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting applications for the Parole In Place program, a crucial option for spouses of U.S. citizens and their minor children under 21 who entered the country without legal admission. This program targets immigrants who have lived continuously in the United States for at least ten years prior to June 17, 2024, and who have been married to a U.S. citizen since before that date. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate good moral character, which is reflected in a clean criminal history. However, having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant, but it is essential to carefully review these records with an immigration attorney, as certain crimes may impact eligibility for this benefit. It is important to note that the application process for *Parole In Place* is complex, and any mistakes can jeopardize not only the application but also the possibility of adjusting status in the future. While there is no specific list of crimes that automatically disqualify an applicant, crimes reflecting a lack of moral character, felonies, or those that cannot be forgiven through a 601A waiver could complicate the process. Therefore, if you have a criminal record, it is vital to seek the advice of an immigration attorney before submitting your application. An attorney can analyze your case in detail, determine if you qualify for Parole In Place, and help you avoid potential legal complications that could lead to deportation in the future. At Legal en USA, under the direction of immigration attorney Eduardo Soto, we are here to guide you every step of the way in your immigration process. If you have questions or need assistance applying for *Parole In Place*, do not hesitate to contact us at 305-446-8686. We are ready to help you protect your future and that of your family.

The Humanitarian Parole program has been temporarily suspended; consequently, no travel permits have been approved since mid-July, and the process will remain on hold until further notice. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the temporary suspension of the humanitarian parole program, which allows the admission of up to 360,000 people per year from Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba. This measure affects those seeking work or asylum in the country. The Biden administration announced the pause following an internal report that indicated potential cases of fraud. The program, known as "parole," is fundamental to the government's strategy to reduce illegal crossings at the southern border by providing a legal pathway for migrants to enter the country. However, DHS officials decided to halt the admission process for new applicants while additional security checks are implemented for U.S. residents acting as sponsors. The Department of Homeland Security takes any abuse of its processes very seriously and has temporarily paused the issuance of advance travel authorizations for new beneficiaries as a precaution. The goal is to review the sponsors' applications and resume processing applications as soon as possible with the appropriate safeguards in place. Despite the pause, DHS clarified that the nearly 500,000 beneficiaries already admitted under the program will not be affected, as they have undergone background checks. The suspension began in mid-July after an internal report identified issues such as multiple applications from a single sponsor. Currently, applications for the "parole" program are still being accepted online, but they are not being approved temporarily. The "parole" program was initiated in 2022 for Venezuela and expanded last year to include Haiti, Nicaragua, and Cuba. The initiative aims to provide a legal pathway for migrants to enter the United States instead of risking their lives on dangerous journeys to the southern border. Beneficiaries of the program can stay and work in the United States for up to two years, provided they have a sponsor who supports them financially and both pass background checks. Although the program has been deemed an immediate success by federal officials and has contributed to a significant decrease in illegal crossings, it has faced criticism. Republican lawmakers and groups advocating for reduced immigration have expressed concerns about the verification process and the high approval rate of applications, which was 98% in the first year. DHS has not specified how long the pause will last, but it is expected to be short. Meanwhile, the Biden administration continues to defend the program, highlighting its effectiveness in managing immigration in an orderly and safe manner.

The spouses of American citizens who are still unlawfully in the United States can now begin gathering the documentation to submit their applications for Parole In Place next month. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that they will begin accepting applications for Parole In Place on August 19, 2024. Any application submitted before this date will be rejected. Although applications cannot be submitted until that date, it is crucial for interested individuals to start gathering the necessary documents to demonstrate their eligibility for the Parole In Place program. Documents That Can Serve as Evidence to Apply for Parole In Place Evidence of a legal marriage to a U.S. citizen contracted before June 17, 2024: - Marriage certificate. Proof of identity: - Driver's license from the state of residence, even if expired. - Birth certificate. - Valid passport, among others. Evidence of the U.S. citizenship of your spouse: - Passport. - Birth certificate. - Certificate of naturalization. Documentation demonstrating your continuous presence in the United States for a minimum of 10 years before June 17, 2024. Some examples include: - Rental contracts for housing or commercial properties. - Utility payment receipts. - School records. - Medical records. - Letters from religious institutions confirming your participation in ceremonies. - Money transfer receipts within or outside the United States. - Birth certificates of children born in the United States. - Property titles and auto insurance. - Property titles or mortgages for homes acquired during this time. - Insurance policies. - Tax returns from all these years. These documents are examples and are not the only ones accepted; more details will be provided on the official USCIS platforms. A specialized attorney can guide you in obtaining these documents. At Legal en USA, we are ready to help you. Evidence for Minor Children of Applicants Minor children of applicants may also apply, and evidence for their eligibility may include: Birth certificate or adoption decree demonstrating the relationship with the non-citizen parent. Marriage certificate of the non-citizen parent to their U.S. citizen spouse. Evidence of the minor's physical presence in the United States before June 17, 2024. If you need legal advice for your process, Legal en USA is ready to help you prepare all the necessary documentation so that you are ready to submit your application as soon as it is allowed. We are just a call away at 305-446-8686. Contact us and make sure you are one of the first to submit your application!

Those interested in applying for Parole In Place will be able to submit their applications to USCIS starting August 19, 2024. This is a program that will benefit half a million undocumented individuals. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will begin accepting applications for the Parole in Place (PIP) program starting August 19, 2024. This program, revealed by the White House on June 17, will allow non-citizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens to avoid family separation during the process of obtaining lawful permanent residency. According to USCIS's announcement, any application submitted before August 19 will be rejected. It is crucial for interested parties to adhere to this date to avoid having their applications dismissed. The PIP program will benefit approximately 500,000 spouses and 50,000 non-citizen children of U.S. citizens, allowing them to remain in the country while they regularize their immigration status. Previously, many undocumented immigrants had to leave the United States during the residency application process, leading to painful family separations. Requirements to Apply for Parole In Place To be eligible for Parole In Place, applicants must meet the following requirements: Be present in the United States without admission or parole. Have been continuously present in the United States for at least ten years as of June 17, 2024. Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024. Not have disqualifying criminal records or pose a threat to national or public safety. Additionally, certain children of applicants may also be considered, as long as they were physically present in the U.S. before June 17, 2024. What documents to submit as evidence to apply for Parole In Place? Although the process is not yet open, interested individuals can prepare the necessary documents to submit starting August 19. These documents include evidence of marriage to a U.S. citizen, proof of identity, proof of continuous presence in the United States for ten years, and evidence of the spouse's U.S. citizenship, among others. It is essential for applicants to follow the instructions and wait until the specified date to submit their applications, ensuring that their efforts are considered valid and avoiding unnecessary rejections. As we always advise in our immigration law office, Legal en USA, don’t wait until the last moment and save time. We can help you prepare the necessary documentation. You are just a call away from securing your residency. Our number, 305-446-8686, is at your disposal.

The United States Republican Party approved an electoral platform that proposes "stopping the migrant invasion" in the United States and "carrying out the largest deportation operation in the country's history.". The United States Republican Party has approved an electoral platform that includes carrying out the largest deportation of migrants in the country's history, should their potential candidate, Donald Trump, win the upcoming election on November 5th. The Republican National Committee (RNC) endorsed a 20-point program that adopts Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric, proposing to "stop the migrant invasion" in the United States and "carry out the largest deportation operation in the country’s history." Trump has pledged to launch this deportation effort, focusing on those with criminal records who may pose a threat to national and social security. Key Immigration Proposals En términos de inmigración, el documento es contundente: Finishing the Border Wall: The platform emphasizes "securing the southern border by completing the wall that Trump started." It claims that hundreds of miles have already been built and promises to "finish the rest quickly, effectively, and cheaply," although it doesn't specify how. A BBC analysis concluded that by the end of Trump’s presidency in 2020, 15 new miles of wall had been constructed, and 350 miles of existing barriers had been replaced, with a total cost of around $15 billion. Mass Deportations: The Republican platform also proposes deporting millions of illegal immigrants, starting with the most dangerous criminals, in collaboration with local police. Additionally, it promises to curb illegal immigration to "defeat inflation and rapidly lower prices," arguing that open border policies have increased the cost of housing, education, and healthcare for American families. However, economic experts suggest that immigration has contributed to stable economic growth. Military Deployment and Naval Blockade: The plan includes "sealing the border and stopping the migrant invasion" by reinstating all immigration policies from Trump’s first administration that Biden has reversed and ending the release of asylum seekers within the United States. It also proposes redirecting large portions of federal law enforcement to immigration duties, deploying thousands of soldiers to the southern border, and using the Navy to enforce a fentanyl blockade. Hardened Immigration Policies: Republicans aim to strengthen Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), impose harsher penalties for illegal entries, and reinstate the "Remain in Mexico" policy (MPP), requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico. They also seek to restore the Travel Ban and Title 42 to limit foreign entry during public health emergencies. If you are facing a complex immigration situation, don't wait until the last moment to explore your options. At **Legal en USA**, we are here to help. The program promises to launch the largest deportation program in U.S. history and to use federal laws to keep out certain groups, including those who "hate Christianity," Marxists, socialists, and jihadists. Additionally, it proposes cutting federal funding for sanctuary cities and prioritizing merit-based immigration, although it does not specify the criteria for this system. ¿Is it really possible to carry out all these announced deportations? Deporting millions of immigrants who have lived in the United States for years is a very complicated and lengthy process that could take years and cost billions of dollars. In addition, it would have a tremendous economic impact, as most workers in key sectors like agriculture, industry, and services are immigrants, many with work permits and pending asylum applications, while others are undocumented. Furthermore, all these individuals undergoing asylum processes have the right to their day in court, and until a decision is made for each individual case, deportation cannot occur. Even former immigration officials under Trump acknowledge the need for a legal immigration process. To address the immigration issue, more comprehensive solutions are needed that include both law enforcement and the creation of a legal immigration process. Immigration Attorney Advice It is vital for individuals affected by these measures to take immediate action to protect their rights. Here are some tips: Consult an Immigration Attorney: It is crucial to seek legal advice to understand how these policies may affect your particular situation and to explore all available options for your case. Prepare for Hearings: If you have an appointment with immigration, make sure to attend punctually and bring all required documentation. Failing to appear can have serious consequences. Stay Informed: Immigration policies can change rapidly, so it is important to stay informed about news and updates that may affect your immigration status. Act Proactively: Don’t wait until the last moment to seek help. If you know you have an appointment with ICE or are facing possible deportation, take action immediately to ensure you are taking all necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. For more information and legal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office. You are just a call away from securing your future in the United States; our number, 305-446-8686, is at your disposal.

In an interview with Telemundo 51, we presented the story of a Cuban with an I220B who was detained during his appointment with ICE. It is not fair to make the family of an American citizen suffer in this way. Recently, many Cubans with I220B have had their immigration appointments moved up, resulting in detentions and awaiting deportation to Cuba. The majority of them have no criminal record, and many are married to U.S. citizens and have children born in this country. This situation can have a significant economic and emotional impact on their American families. Mario de León, a client of our office, is one of these detained Cubans and is waiting with hope for a positive response from immigration authorities to our requests to halt his deportation. His wife, Marien Acosta, a U.S. citizen and mother, expressed her devastation in an interview with Telemundo 51, saying that her "family is broken, and her daughter is suffering." We ask ourselves if it is fair for ICE authorities to cause so much suffering to an American citizen and her family. Is it just to separate a father with no criminal record, a hardworking man who came to the United States seeking freedom from oppression in Cuba? Meanwhile, others who do pose a danger and have committed crimes regularly attend their appointments without consequences. At Legal en USA, an immigration law office, we share the pain of our clients in these difficult circumstances. We want to alert everyone in a similar situation not to wait until the last moment for their ICE appointment. Work on your cases in advance and seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid complications.

The Cuban Adjustment Act is the direct pathway for Cubans to obtain permanent residency, but there are other options for those with an I220A who have not yet been accepted under this law. In recent years, hundreds of thousands of Cuban immigrants have entered the United States illegally through the southern border and received an I220A document upon entry. This document has been a significant obstacle for many seeking to obtain permanent residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act. While some have managed to change their I220A for parole, allowing them to receive Green Card approval, many others have been denied, and many more are still waiting for a response to their applications. The I220A is a conditional parole that, so far, has not been accepted as the necessary entry permit to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act. This has left many Cuban immigrants in a state of uncertainty. At Legal en USA, we want to provide crucial advice to the Cuban community in this situation: there are other options for obtaining residency. Do not rely solely on the Cuban Adjustment Act; consider other processes such as family petitions, employment petitions, or the proper preparation and defense of your asylum case to obtain permanent residency in the United States. What is currently happening with Cubans with I220A? Although some have managed to become residents, either because they have received interim parole or because they have argued to USCIS that their cases were mishandled at the time of their entry into the country and have managed to receive parole instead of their I220A, the reality is that most Cubans in this situation have not been able to obtain residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act. What other options are there besides the Cuban Adjustment Act for those with I220A? Family Petitions Many Cuban immigrants have partners in the U.S. who are residents (possibly because they received parole at the border) or citizens. These individuals are in a position to be petitioned by their partners. Currently, the waiting list for family petitions is approximately 2 years and 8 months. Labor Certification This option allows any worker with a job offer in the United States to undergo labor certification and subsequently obtain residency. The current wait time for employment petitions is around 2 years. Once the process with the Department of Labor is complete, you can apply for residency with USCIS. Prepare and obtain asylum It is crucial to properly prepare your asylum case. Many immigrants wait until their court date approaches to consult a lawyer, only to find that their application is incomplete or contains errors. A well-prepared asylum case increases your chances of success. Unfortunately, many cases lack sufficient evidence, making them difficult to win. It is essential to seek legal advice early on to guide and represent you in the process. Legal representation can significantly increase your chances of success or provide a specialized assessment of the viability of your case. How does illegal presence affect the residency process? Entering the country illegally or overstaying your visa or parole results in accumulating illegal presence in the U.S. This can lead to penalties that may prohibit re-entry for 3 to 10 years. - Asylum Application within Six Months: If you apply for asylum within the first six months of your arrival, you avoid these penalties as you have not accumulated six months of illegal presence. - Asylum Application after Six Months but before One Year: You will need to request a waiver for the accumulated illegal presence. - Asylum Application after One Year: Exceptions exist that allow you to apply after one year if there are changes in your home country's situation or family incidents. However, you could face a 10-year re-entry ban if you leave and wish to return, which will also require a waiver. In all these situations, legal advice from an immigration lawyer is essential. Currently, waivers are taking around 43 months to process. At Legal en USA, we want to ensure you are protected and receive the best service. You should know that the only ways to contact our office are through our social media, the phone numbers 305-446-8686 and WhatsApp 305-301-9237, or by email at info@esotopa.com. Stay informed and seek professional legal guidance to effectively face these challenges.

On Tuesday, June 4, new measures created by President Biden took effect to restrict entry and asylum for migrants crossing the southern border of the United States illegally. On Tuesday, June 4, President Joe Biden signed an executive order restricting entry and asylum for undocumented immigrants, and additionally expediting deportations. Just five months before the presidential elections and facing a critical situation at the southern border, Biden has decided to implement stricter measures for the admission process of asylum seekers and to potentially close the southern border if daily crossings exceed 2,500. The midnight of Tuesday, June 4, marked the implementation of this measure, which is expected to help regain control over immigration at the country's southern border. What does Biden's executive order say about restricting asylum at the southern border? It prohibits asylum for foreigners who illegally cross the southern border of the United States. The measure will go into effect when the border becomes overwhelmed and daily crossings exceed 2,500 over a period of 7 days. It is a temporary measure; if the numbers are lower than those mentioned and the U.S. system can ensure safe and effective management of operations at the border, the measure will be suspended until these numbers are exceeded again. It grants immigration officials the authority to immediately deport these immigrants who cross illegally and do not have legal grounds to remain in the United States. Certain humanitarian exceptions are excluded, including unaccompanied children and victims of human trafficking. The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security have created a special list of pending legal cases for newcomers to expedite resolution of some immigration cases involving attempts to cross the southern border between ports of entry in violation of our immigration laws. It also considers the revocation of visas for executives of companies and government officials who benefit from the illegal entry of immigrants into the U.S. What does strengthening the applicant selection process to restrict asylum mean? Non-U.S. citizens who pose a risk to public or national security will be deported immediately instead of being detained for a period before their expulsion.