Escalating US-Cuba Migration Barriers and Deportations
Key Questions
How have green card approvals for Cubans changed under the Trump administration?
Green card approvals have plummeted by 99.8% for Cubans since December 2024, with overall family-based approvals down 54%. A federal judge ruled to unpause applications for those impacted by the Trump travel ban.
What is the increase in ICE arrests of Cubans?
ICE arrests of Cubans have skyrocketed by 463% to over 1,000 per month, according to Cato Institute data. This occurs alongside plummeting green card approvals.
What does the May 2026 Visa Bulletin mean for I-485 filings?
The May 2026 Visa Bulletin sets an April 30 closing for I-485 filings, with June predictions offering potential F2A relief. USCIS backlogs and I-130 delays exacerbate issues under the 1994 U.S.-Cuba Accord.
How is the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) affected?
The CAA is currently frozen amid asylum executive order blocks. It historically promises work authorization and permanent residency after one year in the U.S.
What deportation trends are occurring for Cubans?
Around 6,000 deportations have taken place, with CBP One halted and new fees introduced. TPS and I-220A are spared, but regional visa curbs under Hemisphere 26 may impact Cuba.
Are asylum rights protected despite Trump orders?
An appeals court ruled that asylum rights remain protected despite the Trump executive order. This provides some relief amid broader restrictions.
What new USCIS fees apply to Cuban applicants?
The G-1055 Fee Schedule includes $630 for paper filing of Form I-817 for Family Unity Benefits. Additional fees and questions are part of recent policy updates.
How are migration options limited for Cubans leaving the country?
Fewer options exist due to canceled flights, closed routes, and tightened U.S. immigration under Trump. Bloomberg reports Cubans face aggressive curbs on asylum and emigration paths.
Trump halves green cards (family -54%, Cubans -99.8% since Dec2024), ICE arrests +463% to 1k+/mo (Cato); asylum EO block/CAA frozen; May2026 Bulletin I-485 closes Apr30, June predictions/F2A relief/legal win for travel ban GCs; USCIS backlog/I-130 delays/1994 Accord; regional visa curbs (26 Hemisphere, Cuba TBD); spares TPS/I-220A; 6k deportations/CBP One halt; new fees/Qs.