Key Takeaways
• USCIS resumed green card processing for eligible Cuban migrants on June 21, 2025, after court order.
• New medical exam requirements started June 11, 2025, must be done by USCIS-designated civil surgeons.
• Processing backlogs cause delays; 80% of applications take 14 to 15.5 months as of July 2025.
Green Card Processing for Cuban Migrants Resumes Under Trump Administration: What It Means and What Comes Next
The Trump administration has restarted green card processing for Cuban migrants as of June 21, 2025, after a months-long pause that left thousands in limbo. This change follows a federal court order and marks a major shift in United States 🇺🇸 immigration policy, especially for Cubans who entered the country under humanitarian parole and similar programs. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what Cuban migrants and their families need to know right now.
Who is affected?
Cuban migrants who entered the United States 🇺🇸 legally under humanitarian parole or similar programs are the main group impacted by this policy change. Many of these individuals have been waiting for months, unsure if they would be able to apply for permanent residency, also known as a green card.
What changed?
On June 21, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began processing green card applications for eligible Cuban migrants again. This follows a federal court order in late May 2025 that required the Trump administration to restart processing for people granted status through humanitarian parole, including Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans.
Where and when did this happen?
The suspension of green card processing began in March 2025, when the Trump administration put a hold on applications for refugees and asylees, including many Cubans. The resumption started nationwide on June 21, 2025, after the court order.
Why did it happen?
The Trump administration said the pause was needed for “enhanced vetting” under a new executive order. Advocacy groups challenged the suspension in court, arguing it left thousands of people at risk of deportation and family separation. The federal judge agreed, ordering the government to resume processing.
How does it work now?
USCIS is now accepting and processing green card applications for eligible Cuban migrants. However, there are new requirements, including stricter medical exams, and applicants should expect longer wait times due to a growing backlog.
Let’s break down the details, background, and what this means for Cuban migrants and their families.
Background: Why Green Card Processing Was Suspended for Cuban Migrants
In March 2025, the Trump administration suddenly stopped processing green card applications for refugees and asylees, including many Cubans. The official reason was to allow for more security checks, as ordered by a new executive order signed on January 20, 2025. This left thousands of Cuban migrants, many of whom had entered the United States 🇺🇸 under humanitarian parole, in a state of uncertainty.
Advocacy groups quickly filed lawsuits, arguing that the suspension was unfair and put people at risk. On May 28, 2025, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to resume processing green card applications for people who entered under humanitarian parole, including Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) then lifted the suspension, and USCIS began processing applications again on June 21, 2025.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility and the Cuban Adjustment Act
Most Cuban migrants seeking a green card do so under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA). This law allows Cuban nationals who have been physically present in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year to apply for permanent residency. To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a native or citizen of Cuba 🇨🇺
- Have been physically present in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year
- Have entered the country legally (for example, with humanitarian parole)
- Not be inadmissible for certain reasons, such as criminal history
Required Documents for Green Card Processing:
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) – official form link
- Proof of Cuban citizenship (such as a Cuban passport or birth certificate)
- Evidence of physical presence in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year (such as I-94 records, lease agreements, or pay stubs)
- Passport-style photographs
- Medical examination form (see new requirements below)
- Any other supporting documents requested by USCIS
For more details, visit the USCIS Green Card for Cuban Natives or Citizens page.
New Medical Exam Requirements: What Applicants Need to Know
Starting June 11, 2025, all green card applicants—including Cuban migrants—must submit a renewed medical examination form with their application. This is a stricter rule than before. If an application is submitted without a valid medical exam form, it will be denied.
Key points about the medical exam:
- The exam must be performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
- The exam checks for health conditions that could make someone inadmissible (such as certain contagious diseases).
- Applicants must show proof of required vaccinations.
- If an application is withdrawn or denied, a new medical exam is required for any future application.
This new rule means that applicants should schedule their medical exam as close as possible to the time they submit their green card application, to avoid the risk of the form expiring.
Processing Times and Backlog: Expect Delays
The pause in green card processing earlier in 2025 created a large backlog. In January 2025 alone, USCIS received over 92,000 green card applications, including more than 12,000 from asylees or refugees. As of July 2025, the average processing time for these applications is 14 to 15.5 months for 80% of cases.
Because of the suspension and the new requirements, applicants should expect longer wait times. It’s important to keep all documents up to date and respond quickly to any requests from USCIS to avoid further delays.
Relief and Risks: What the Policy Change Means for Cuban Migrants
Relief for Cuban Parolees:
The resumption of green card processing is a huge relief for thousands of Cuban migrants who faced months of uncertainty. Many feared deportation or being separated from their families. Now, they have a clear path to permanent residency again.
Uncertainty Remains:
Even with processing resumed, there are still risks. Delays are likely, and the Trump administration continues to push for stricter immigration policies. There is also a pending Supreme Court review that could change the rules again in the future.
Legal Protections:
The federal court’s order applies to all individuals in the United States 🇺🇸 under humanitarian parole programs, unless they choose to pursue their own lawsuits. This means most affected Cuban migrants are covered by the court’s decision.
Key Stakeholders: Who’s Involved and What They’re Saying
- USCIS and DHS: These agencies confirmed the resumption of green card processing and explained the new medical exam requirements.
- Justice Action Center: This advocacy group led the lawsuit that resulted in the court order. Founder Karen Tumlin said the decision brings much-needed fairness and stability for affected communities.
- Federal Courts: The courts played a key role by ordering the Trump administration to restart processing for humanitarian parole recipients.
- President Trump: While President Trump has not commented directly on the resumption, his administration continues to support broader immigration restrictions and tougher vetting.
Multiple Perspectives: How Different Groups See the Change
Advocacy Groups:
Many advocacy groups are happy the court stepped in but remain worried about ongoing delays and the possibility of more restrictions in the future.
Legal Experts:
Some legal experts point out that the court’s order could be changed by the Supreme Court, which is still reviewing the case. This means the current policy could change again.
Applicants:
Cuban migrants applying for green cards now face new hurdles, such as stricter medical exam rules and the risk of losing money if their application is denied or withdrawn. Many are anxious about the long wait times and possible future changes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Cuban Migrants Can Apply for a Green Card (as of July 2025)
- Check eligibility under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA).
- Gather required documents:
- Proof of Cuban citizenship (passport, birth certificate)
- Evidence of being in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year (I-94, lease, pay stubs)
- Passport, I-94, and other supporting documents
- Schedule and complete a medical exam with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
- Fill out and file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with all supporting documents and the medical exam form.
- Pay the required filing fees. Check the latest fee schedule on the USCIS website.
- Respond quickly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS.
- Attend any required interviews or biometrics appointments.
- Track your case status online using the USCIS Case Status tool.
- If denied, consult an immigration attorney about reapplying or appealing the decision.
Policy Implications: What’s Next for Cuban Migrants and U.S. Immigration
Supreme Court Review:
The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to pause the federal court’s order. If the Supreme Court agrees, green card processing for humanitarian parolees—including Cuban migrants—could be suspended again.
Potential for More Policy Changes:
The Trump administration is still working on new travel bans and tougher vetting rules. These could affect future green card processing and other immigration benefits.
Backlog and Delays:
The backlog caused by the earlier suspension is expected to slow down processing for months. Applicants should prepare for long wait times and keep their documents up to date.
Practical Guidance: What Cuban Migrants Should Do Now
- Stay informed: Check the USCIS Green Card for Cuban Natives or Citizens page regularly for updates.
- Keep documents current: Make sure all paperwork, including medical exams, is up to date before submitting your application.
- Respond quickly: If USCIS asks for more information, respond as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- Seek legal help: If you have questions or face problems, contact an immigration attorney or organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
- Prepare for delays: Expect longer processing times and plan accordingly.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- USCIS Green Card for Cuban Natives or Citizens: USCIS Official Website
- Justice Action Center: justiceactioncenter.org
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): aila.org
- USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283
Summary and Takeaways
As of July 2, 2025, the Trump administration has resumed green card processing for Cuban migrants after a federal court order and a change in DHS policy. Applicants must now meet new medical exam requirements and should expect longer wait times due to the backlog. The situation could change again, depending on the Supreme Court’s decision and future policy moves by the Trump administration.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Cuban migrants should act quickly to gather documents, complete medical exams, and file their applications, but also be prepared for possible delays and future changes. For the most current information, always check the official USCIS website and seek legal advice if needed.
By staying informed and following the correct steps, Cuban migrants can improve their chances of successfully obtaining a green card—even in a changing and sometimes uncertain immigration environment.
Learn Today
Green Card → Official document granting permanent residency and work authorization in the United States.
Humanitarian Parole → Temporary entry permission into the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or public benefit.
Cuban Adjustment Act → U.S. law allowing Cuban nationals present for one year to apply for permanent residency.
Form I-485 → Application form used to register permanent residence or adjust immigration status in the U.S.
USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon → Medical doctor authorized by USCIS to conduct immigration-related medical examinations.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Trump administration restarted green card processing for Cuban migrants on June 21, 2025, following a federal court order. New stricter medical exam rules and processing delays challenge applicants, but it restores hope for permanent residency after months of uncertainty under paused policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
