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Diplomatic relations can impact deportation status of many

On Behalf of | Jul 21, 2015 | U.S. Immigration Law |

The restoration of diplomatic ties between the United States and Cuba has had many consequences both here and there. One consequence of the stabilization of those ties may be the future of thousands of Cubans who were slated for deportation before diplomatic ties were restored. Any Cubans who live in Maryland and have deportation orders may be curious as to how the new relations will impact their cases and what will become of thousands of others identified by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

It has been estimated that 25,000 Cubans are here in the United States and currently have deportation orders that are outstanding. These numbers consist of those who have criminal convictions or listed as a threat to national security. However when diplomatic ties were non-existent the last 54 years, these folks were not deported as the Cuban government would not issue travel documents for them.

One woman in particular is concerned because she has a pending deportation order related to her past criminal history. The woman is a 50-year-old grandmother who got into legal trouble in the 80’s when she became involved in a drug business. She served over two years in prison, but her criminal record means she is on the radar of immigration officials.

The fate of that woman and others is unclear due to the newness of the diplomatic relations and the complications of each case, some dating back decades. As Maryland families with Cuban relatives watch the policies update and news unfold, they may find it necessary to stay up to date on how those diplomatic policies will impact individual deportation cases. Next, those families may find it necessary to find ways to legally fight deportation and review all options if a relative is slated for deportation.

Source: ABC News, “Cubans Facing Deportation Await Changes in US-Cuba Relations”, Alicia A. Caldwell and Curt Anderson, July 18, 2015

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