Key Takeaways
• El Funky’s Cuban Adjustment Act application was denied without explanation, risking his deportation to Cuba.
• Trump administration ended humanitarian parole for 532,000 Cubans, increasing deportation risks after April 25, 2025.
• Representative Elvira Salazar supports El Funky, calling for USCIS to consider his political persecution risk.
Eliéxer Márquez Duany, known to many as El Funky, is a Cuban rapper and outspoken critic of the Cuban government. He is also a strong supporter of President Trump. Despite his political stance and activism, El Funky now faces deportation from the United States 🇺🇸. His case shines a light on the complicated world of U.S. immigration policy, especially for Cuban dissidents, and raises questions about how political beliefs and legal protections interact in today’s America.
Who is El Funky and Why is He Facing Deportation?
El Funky became famous for his role in the song “Patria y Vida,” which criticizes the Cuban regime and has become an anthem for many Cuban dissidents. After arriving in the United States 🇺🇸, he applied for residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act, a law that has helped many Cubans gain legal status in the U.S. for decades. However, earlier this month, El Funky received a notice that his application was denied. The denial came without a clear explanation, leaving him in a vulnerable position.
Now, El Funky is working with a new immigration attorney to quickly file an asylum claim. His lawyer mentioned that there were “errors in the original application,” but did not give details. This sudden change has put El Funky at risk of being sent back to Cuba 🇨🇺, where he fears persecution for his activism.
Recent Developments and Political Support
On May 22, 2025, Representative Elvira Salazar (R-FL) announced that there had been progress in El Funky’s case. She is the only elected official who has publicly supported him so far. Salazar said, “Funky is a political dissident who deserves the full protection of U.S. immigration law.” She also stated that her office is working with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to make sure they understand the serious risk El Funky faces if he is forced to return to Cuba 🇨🇺.
Despite his high profile, El Funky has not received widespread public support. There have been no major protests or petitions on his behalf, and even his fellow musicians from “Patria y Vida” have mostly stayed silent.
Background: Changing U.S. Policy Toward Cuban Immigrants
For many years, the United States 🇺🇸 welcomed Cubans fleeing the communist regime. The Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA), passed in 1966, allowed Cubans who reached U.S. soil to apply for permanent residency after one year. This policy was rooted in the Cold War, when the U.S. wanted to show support for those escaping communism.
However, things began to change during President Trump’s first term. The administration started to limit the use of “parole,” a process that allowed Cubans to enter and stay in the U.S. while waiting for their cases to be decided. Deportations to Cuba 🇨🇺, which had been rare, also increased. Later, President Biden introduced a humanitarian parole program for people from Cuba 🇨🇺, Haiti 🇭🇹, Nicaragua 🇳🇮, and Venezuela 🇻🇪, but this program was limited and did not help everyone.
Now, under President Trump’s second term, the U.S. has taken even tougher steps:
- Cuba 🇨🇺 is again listed as a State Sponsor of Terror.
- Remittances (money sent to family in Cuba 🇨🇺) are restricted.
- Sanctions have been placed on Cuba’s overseas medical missions.
- The Libertad Act has been used to allow more lawsuits about property taken by the Cuban government.
- The administration has asked the Supreme Court to let it end humanitarian parole for over 500,000 people from Cuba 🇨🇺, Haiti 🇭🇹, Nicaragua 🇳🇮, and Venezuela 🇻🇪.
On March 25, 2025, the Trump administration announced that it would end parole status for about 532,000 people who entered the U.S. under the humanitarian program for these countries. Anyone who has not left the U.S. before April 25, 2025, will lose their legal status and could be deported.
How Are Cuban Immigrants Affected?
The end of the humanitarian parole program has caused fear and confusion among Cuban immigrants. Between 2021 and 2024, over 681,000 Cubans tried to enter the United States 🇺🇸, hoping for safety and a better life. Many now have only I-220A documents, which are not the same as legal status, and face the threat of deportation.
The Department of Homeland Security says it will look at each case individually and may make exceptions. But the Trump administration has set a goal of deporting one million immigrants each year. This is more than three times the previous record of 267,000 deportations in 2019.
El Funky’s Political Views and Personal Response
Even as he faces deportation, El Funky remains a supporter of President Trump. He has said, “If I could, I would have voted for Trump. He’s the strongest president regarding Cuba.” He does not blame Trump for his situation, saying, “There are probably too many people here. I understand trying to get rid of those who shouldn’t be here. But Trump should examine each individual case. Like mine.”
This position is unusual. Many immigrants facing deportation criticize the administration in power, but El Funky continues to support the president, hoping his case will be seen as special because of his activism against the Cuban government.
Other Cases Show a Broader Pattern
El Funky’s experience is not unique. In April 2025, another Cuban, Alían Méndez Aguilar, was deported even though he had no criminal record and was married to a Cuban-American woman who supports President Trump. Aguilar came to the U.S. in 2019 and received a deportation order in 2020, but was not deported right away because Cuba 🇨🇺 would not take him back. His wife, Liyian Páez, said, “I thought they would only deport criminals. We are good people.”
These stories show that the current policies can affect even those who have followed the rules and have strong ties to the United States 🇺🇸.
How Is Immigration Enforcement Changing?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data shows that from March 1 to March 28, 2025, just over 12,300 people were removed from the United States 🇺🇸. This is a small increase from the previous month, but still far below the administration’s goal of one million deportations per year.
The Trump administration has made several changes to speed up deportations:
- Expedited removal is now used across the country, allowing for faster deportations without a court hearing.
- Daily arrest quotas have been set for immigration officers.
- Enforcement is now allowed at places that were once considered sensitive, like schools and hospitals.
- Local police are being used to help enforce immigration laws, through agreements known as 287(g). These agreements let local officers act as immigration agents during their regular duties.
Legal Battles Over Deportation Policies
Many of the Trump administration’s immigration actions are being challenged in court. On May 19, 2025, the Supreme Court allowed the administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 350,000 Venezuelans. This means they could now be deported. The court’s decision put a hold on a lower court ruling that would have kept TPS in place.
The Supreme Court is also involved in cases about deporting Venezuelans accused of being gang members to a prison in El Salvador 🇸🇻, using a very old law called the Alien Enemies Act.
What Is the Cuban Adjustment Act?
The Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) is a law passed in 1966 that allows Cubans who have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year to apply for permanent residency (a green card). The law was designed to help people fleeing communism in Cuba 🇨🇺. Over the years, it has helped hundreds of thousands of Cubans build new lives in the U.S.
However, the law does not guarantee approval. Applicants must meet certain requirements and fill out the correct forms. If there are mistakes or missing information, the application can be denied, as happened in El Funky’s case. For more information on the Cuban Adjustment Act and how to apply, you can visit the official USCIS Cuban Adjustment Act page.
What Happens Next for El Funky?
El Funky is now waiting to see if his asylum claim will be approved. Asylum is a form of protection for people who fear persecution in their home country because of their political beliefs, religion, or other reasons. If his claim is successful, he could stay in the United States 🇺🇸 and eventually apply for permanent residency.
Representative Salazar’s office has reported some progress, but the outcome is still uncertain. El Funky’s case highlights the risks faced by Cuban dissidents and the challenges of the current immigration system.
What Does This Mean for Other Cuban Immigrants?
The end of the humanitarian parole program and the tougher enforcement policies have left many Cuban immigrants in a difficult position. Some have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years, built families, and contributed to their communities. Now, they face the threat of deportation, even if they have no criminal record.
The administration says it will look at each case individually, but the large number of people affected makes this difficult. Many are now seeking legal help, filing asylum claims, or trying to find other ways to stay in the country.
Key Takeaways for Immigrants and Their Families
- Check your immigration status: If you are a Cuban immigrant in the United States 🇺🇸, it is important to know your current status and what options are available to you.
- Seek legal help: Mistakes on immigration forms can lead to denial, as seen in El Funky’s case. Work with a qualified immigration attorney to make sure your paperwork is correct.
- Stay informed: Immigration policies can change quickly. Follow updates from official sources like USCIS and trusted news outlets.
- Know your rights: If you are facing deportation, you may have the right to a hearing or to apply for asylum. Learn about your options and act quickly.
Looking Ahead: The Future for Cuban Immigrants
The future for Cuban immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸 is uncertain. The Trump administration’s goal of one million deportations per year is much higher than in the past, but actual removals so far are much lower. Increasing deportations would require more funding and more detention centers, which Congress would have to approve.
For now, people like El Funky must wait and hope that their cases will be reviewed fairly. His story is a reminder that immigration policy affects real people, not just numbers or headlines.
For More Information
If you or someone you know is applying for residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act, you can find the official application form Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status on the USCIS website.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the current environment for Cuban immigrants is filled with uncertainty, and each case can be very different. Staying informed and seeking legal advice are the best steps to protect your future.
Conclusion
El Funky’s case is just one example of how U.S. immigration policy can have life-changing effects on individuals and families. Even those who support the current administration or have strong cases for protection can find themselves at risk. The story of El Funky, his fight against deportation, and the broader changes in U.S. policy show how important it is for immigrants to understand their rights, stay informed, and seek help when needed. The path forward is not easy, but with the right support and information, immigrants can make the best choices for themselves and their loved ones.
Learn Today
Cuban Adjustment Act → A 1966 U.S. law allowing Cubans one-year residency before applying for permanent status.
Humanitarian Parole → Temporary permission to enter or stay in the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons.
Asylum Claim → A request for protection from persecution in one’s home country due to political or other reasons.
Expedited Removal → A fast deportation process without a court hearing for certain unauthorized immigrants.
287(g) Agreements → Partnerships allowing local police to enforce federal immigration laws during their duties.
This Article in a Nutshell
Cuban rapper El Funky faces deportation after his residency denial under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Despite supporting Trump, his asylum fight highlights U.S. immigration changes affecting thousands of Cubans amid increased deportations and policy shifts under the Trump administration’s strict stance on Cuban immigrants.
— By VisaVerge.com
