Cuban exiles have historically received special protections and relief from deportation, but that might be changing soon. A growing number of Cuban immigrants, including some who have lived in this country for decades, are facing challenging situations from immigration enforcement. Some of these are ending with the exiles, many of whom are older, being removed from the country where they hoped to live out the remainder of their days.
More than one issue has led to the changes that many Cuban exiles are facing. These primarily have to do with changes to prosecutorial discretion and recently established enforcement priorities. Together, those pave the way to deportations that wouldn’t have happened often in the past.
What are some of the changes these exiles are dealing with?
One of the main changes that’s making a major ripple now is that people who have older removal orders or minor criminal records are facing a greater chance of deportation. Many of these individuals believed that their presence here was secure, but they’re realizing that anyone who has a brush with the criminal justice system at some point in their past may be removed. Traditionally, they were allowed to remain in this country.
Cuban nationals who may be at risk of deportation should learn about the options they have to address their immigration status. These cases can be complex and may involve avenues, such as an adjustment of status, to secure their presence in this country. Working with someone who understands the ever-changing landscape of immigration law may be beneficial since they can provide up-to-date information to these individuals.