🇨🇺 U.S. Immigration Options for Cuban Nationals
🧾 The Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA)
The Cuban Adjustment Act is a special law that helps certain Cuban nationals become U.S. permanent residents (green card holders).
You may qualify under the CAA if:
- You are a native or citizen of Cuba
- You were inspected and admitted or paroled into the U.S. on or after January 1, 1959
- You have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year
- You are admissible to the United States under immigration law
If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for a green card without needing to go through the standard visa process.
✈️ How Can Cubans Legally Migrate to the U.S.?
There are several legal pathways for Cubans to move to the United States. These include:
1. Immigrant Visas (Family-Based or Employment-Based)
- Immediate relatives (spouses, children under 21, and parents) of U.S. citizens can apply as soon as the Form I-130 is approved.
- Other relatives (like siblings or married adult children of U.S. citizens, or spouses and children of green card holders) may apply under the preference system, which has longer wait times based on visa category and country of origin.
2. Refugee Admissions
- Cubans who have experienced or fear persecution due to:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Political opinion
- Membership in a specific social group
…may qualify for U.S. refugee resettlement.
Refugee applications are handled by the In-Country Refugee Processing Unit at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana.
3. Diversity Visa Lottery
- The Diversity Visa Program (also known as the green card lottery) offers 55,000 visas annually to applicants from underrepresented countries — including Cuba.
- The success rate for Cuban applicants is typically high — often over 70%.
4. Special Cuban Migration Program (Cuban Lottery)
- This program is open to adult Cubans aged 18–55, even if they don’t qualify for other immigration programs.
- It provides a legal path to the U.S. for Cubans who may not have close relatives in the U.S. but wish to migrate.
🧭 Summary: Legal Paths to the U.S. for Cubans
| Program | Who Qualifies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cuban Adjustment Act | Cubans in the U.S. for 1+ year after legal entry | Apply for green card inside U.S. |
| Family-Based Visas | Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or LPRs | Some categories have long wait times |
| Refugee Program | Victims of persecution | Apply from within Cuba |
| Diversity Lottery | All eligible Cubans | High acceptance rate |
| Cuban Lottery (SCMP) | Cubans aged 18–55 living in Cuba | Does not require family ties |
📞 Need Help Navigating Your Options?
Immigration laws are complex, and every case is unique. If you are a Cuban national considering your options — whether you are still in Cuba or already in the U.S. — I can help you:
- Understand which programs you qualify for
- Prepare the correct documents and applications
- Avoid common mistakes that cause delays or denials
👉 Contact me today to schedule a consultation and explore your best legal path to U.S. permanent residency.
Revision Date: March 2025.