Adopted in 1966 under Lyndon B. Johnson, the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) allows Cuban nationals present on American soil to obtain the status of permanent resident (green card) under simplified conditions. Initially designed for refugees fleeing the Castro regime, this law remains in force in 2025 despite major changes.
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1. Eligibility ::
– Be Cuban citizen or born in Cuba.
– to have been admitted or sponsored (Word) in the United States after January 1, 1959.
-reside physically in the United States since at least 1 year.
– Be legally eligible (without serious criminal record, etc.).
2. Exclusive advantages ::
– Exemption from classic immigration quotas.
– No need to justify a job or a family link.
– possibility of adjusting its status even in the event of an irregular entry, subject to a speech subsequent.
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To benefit from the CAA, the steps are as follows:
1. Filing of Form I-485 (Application to RESIDENCE RESIDENCE).
2. Supporting documents To be joined:
– Proof of Cuban citizenship (passport, birth certificate).
– Proof of physical presence (plane tickets, invoices, bank statements).
– admission or speech (I-94, entrance stamp).
3. Interview With USCIS and checking history.
4. Average time : 9 to 12 months for obtaining the green card.
Example : A Cuban entered via Mexico with a humanitarian speech In 2024 may submit his request in February 2025.
Nationality
Legal provisions
Key conditions
References
Cuban
✅ Cuban Adjustment Act
– be born in Cuba or have citizenship
-1 year physical presence in the United States
– Legal admission or speech after 1959
15 38 39
Haitian
❌ CAA
✅ Hrifa (Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act)
– Adjustment of status under restrictive conditions (residence before 1995, etc.)
– Limited eligibility for social profits
1 2 30
Venezuelans/Nicaraguans
❌ CAA
✅ Time (Temporary protection status)
– Protection against expulsions
– Renewable work permit
3 12 26
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