Key Takeaways
• US resumes green card processing for Cubans on parole starting June 10, 2025, after a federal court order.
• Eligible Cubans must be physically present in the US for over one year and apply under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
• Trump administration tried ending parole programs in 2025; courts paused termination and restored green card applications.
The United States 🇺🇸 has taken a major step by restarting green card processing for Cubans on parole, a move that brings relief and hope to thousands of Cuban families. This change follows months of confusion and legal battles over the future of humanitarian parole programs. Today, many Cubans who entered the United States 🇺🇸 under these programs are once again able to apply for permanent residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act. Here’s what you need to know about this important development, how it affects Cubans on parole, and what steps individuals should take next.
U.S. Resumes Green Card Processing for Cubans on Parole
On June 10, 2025, the U.S. government officially announced that it would resume processing green card applications for Cubans who entered the country under humanitarian parole. This decision came after a federal court in Massachusetts ordered the government to lift the suspension on these applications. The announcement was made by Kika Scott, the acting deputy director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), who confirmed that the freeze on humanitarian parole requests for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela had ended.
This policy shift is especially important for Cubans on parole who have been waiting for months to see if they could move forward with their plans to become permanent residents. Many families had been left in limbo after the Trump administration tried to end these parole programs earlier in 2025.
Who Is Affected by This Change?
The new policy directly benefits Cubans on parole who meet the following requirements:
- Entered the United States 🇺🇸 under humanitarian parole (a special permission to enter and stay in the country for urgent reasons)
- Have been physically present in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year and one day
- Have filed an application for a green card under the Cuban Adjustment Act
This means that if you are a Cuban national who came to the United States 🇺🇸 through a humanitarian parole program and have lived in the country for at least one year, you can now apply for a green card. The government will process your application as long as you meet all the requirements.
Why Was Processing Stopped, and What Changed?
Earlier in 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would end the humanitarian parole programs for people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This decision, made public on March 25, 2025, would have affected about 530,000 people who had entered the United States 🇺🇸 under these programs.
The Trump administration said it wanted to end what it called “categorical parole programs” and focus on border security. The official end date for these programs was set for April 24, 2025. This left many Cubans on parole unsure about their future and whether they could still apply for a green card.
However, on April 14, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani ruled that the government’s attempt to end the parole programs was not valid. The court ordered that people who had already entered the United States 🇺🇸 under these programs could keep their parole status until their original expiration dates. This court order also paused the termination of the programs while the legal case continued.
On May 28, 2025, the court issued another order in the case of Svitlana Doe vs. Kristi Noem, requiring the government to restart green card processing for Cubans on parole. USCIS responded by officially lifting the suspension and resuming application processing.
The Cuban Adjustment Act: A Special Pathway
The Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) is a law passed in 1966 that gives Cuban nationals a unique way to become permanent residents of the United States 🇺🇸. Under this law, a Cuban citizen who has been in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year after being admitted or paroled can apply for a green card. The main requirements are:
- Physical presence: You must have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year.
- Admission or parole: You must have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the country after January 1, 1959.
- Admissibility: You must be eligible to become a permanent resident (for example, you cannot have certain criminal convictions or other problems that make you ineligible).
- Other requirements: You must meet any other rules set by immigration law.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for a green card using the Cuban Adjustment Act. This law is different from the usual process for getting a green card, which often involves long waiting periods and strict quotas.
How to Apply for a Green Card as a Cuban on Parole
If you are a Cuban on parole and want to apply for a green card under the Cuban Adjustment Act, you need to follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility: Make sure you have been physically present in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year and that you were admitted or paroled after January 1, 1959.
- File Form I-485: This is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. You can find the official form and instructions on the USCIS website.
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Gather supporting documents: You will need to provide proof of your Cuban citizenship, proof of your entry into the United States 🇺🇸 (such as your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record), and evidence that you have lived in the country for at least one year.
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Pay the required fees: There are fees for filing Form I-485. Check the latest fee information on the USCIS website.
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Attend a biometrics appointment: USCIS may ask you to come in for fingerprinting and photos.
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Wait for a decision: USCIS will review your application and may ask for more information or schedule an interview.
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Receive your green card: If your application is approved, you will become a lawful permanent resident of the United States 🇺🇸.
Important: If your parole period is about to expire and your green card application is still pending, you should consider filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to request re-parole. This helps you maintain your legal status while waiting for your green card.
What Has Changed in the Application Process?
With the reactivation of green card processing for Cubans on parole, USCIS has made several technical changes to make the process smoother:
- Updated forms and instructions: USCIS has revised some forms and instructions to reflect the new rules.
- Improved online communication: The agency has updated its website and online tools to help applicants get information more easily.
- New guidance for staff: USCIS has trained its customer service staff to answer questions about the Cuban Adjustment Act and the reactivated process.
These changes are meant to help Cubans on parole apply for a green card without unnecessary delays or confusion.
What Does This Mean for Cuban Families?
For many Cuban families, this policy change is a huge relief. After months of uncertainty, they now have a clear path to permanent residency and the chance to build a stable life in the United States 🇺🇸. The reactivation of green card processing also means that families can reunite, children can attend school without fear, and adults can work legally and plan for the future.
However, it’s important to remember that each application is reviewed carefully. Approval is not automatic, and USCIS will check each case to make sure all requirements are met.
Historical Background: How Did We Get Here?
The humanitarian parole programs for Cubans and others were created during the Biden administration. These programs allowed up to 30,000 people per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the United States 🇺🇸 legally for a two-year period. By early 2025, more than 530,000 people had entered the country through these programs.
In March 2025, the Trump administration announced it would end these programs, saying they were not in line with its focus on border security. This decision led to widespread concern among immigrants and their families, as well as legal challenges in the courts.
The recent court orders have temporarily stopped the termination of the programs and forced the government to resume green card processing for eligible Cubans on parole. However, the future of these programs is still uncertain as the legal battle continues.
What Should Cubans on Parole Do Now?
If you are a Cuban national on parole in the United States 🇺🇸, here are some important steps to take:
- Check your eligibility: Make sure you have been in the country for at least one year and meet all the requirements of the Cuban Adjustment Act.
- File your green card application: Use Form I-485 and include all necessary documents.
- Monitor your parole status: Your parole expiration date is listed on your electronic Form I-94. If your parole is about to expire and your green card application is still pending, file Form I-131 to request re-parole.
- Get legal advice: Consider speaking with an immigration attorney or an accredited representative to make sure you understand your options and rights.
- Avoid unlawful presence: If your parole expires before you get a new status or re-parole, you could start to accrue unlawful presence, which can have serious consequences for your immigration future.
What Are the Risks and Challenges?
While the reactivation of green card processing is good news, there are still some risks and challenges for Cubans on parole:
- Uncertain future of parole programs: The court order allowing green card processing is temporary. The legal case is ongoing, and future changes are possible.
- Strict eligibility checks: USCIS will review each application closely. If you do not meet all the requirements, your application could be denied.
- Possible delays: With so many people affected, there may be delays in processing times.
What About Other Humanitarian Programs?
The reactivation of green card processing also affects people from Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who entered the United States 🇺🇸 under similar parole programs. However, the Cuban Adjustment Act is unique to Cubans and offers a special path to permanent residency that is not available to other nationalities.
USCIS has said that people paroled under the Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) Program can also apply for a green card after being in the United States 🇺🇸 for one year, or as soon as their immigrant visa becomes available.
Where Can You Find More Information?
For the most up-to-date and official information about the Cuban Adjustment Act, green card applications, and parole programs, visit the USCIS Green Card for a Cuban Native or Citizen page. This page provides detailed instructions, eligibility requirements, and links to all necessary forms.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the reactivation of green card processing for Cubans on parole is a major step forward for thousands of families who have faced months of uncertainty. The site notes that while the legal situation is still developing, eligible Cubans should act quickly to take advantage of this opportunity.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Green card processing for Cubans on parole has resumed following a federal court order.
- Eligible Cubans must have been physically present in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year and meet all requirements of the Cuban Adjustment Act.
- File Form I-485 to apply for a green card, and consider filing Form I-131 for re-parole if your current parole is expiring.
- Stay informed by checking official government websites and consulting with legal professionals.
- Act quickly to protect your status and take advantage of this renewed opportunity for permanent residency.
This policy change offers hope and a clear path forward for Cubans on parole who want to build a new life in the United States 🇺🇸. By understanding the requirements and following the right steps, you can move closer to achieving permanent residency and securing your family’s future.
Learn Today
Green Card → An official document granting permanent resident status in the United States.
Humanitarian Parole → Temporary permission to enter or remain in the US for urgent humanitarian reasons.
Cuban Adjustment Act → A 1966 law allowing Cuban nationals to apply for permanent residency after one year in the US.
Form I-485 → Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for green card applicants.
Form I-131 → Application for Travel Document used to request re-parole while awaiting green card decisions.
This Article in a Nutshell
The US restarted green card processing for Cubans on parole as of June 2025, ending months of uncertainty. This allows eligible Cubans to apply under the Cuban Adjustment Act, securing a pathway to permanent residency and family stability in the United States. Legal challenges halted prior program termination.
— By VisaVerge.com
