Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025: A Practical Guide to Applying for Your Green Card ✨

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Aug 21
4 min read

I’m Viktor A. De Maio, an immigration attorney who has had the privilege of guiding many Cuban families on their journey toward U.S. residency. Over the years, I’ve witnessed first-hand how the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025 remains a vital avenue for those seeking stability and a secure future in this country. Though recent years have brought new challenges and policy shifts in immigration, I want to convey a clear and hopeful message: with proper preparation, expert guidance, and an updated understanding of the law, achieving permanent residence is still within reach.

In this article, I share timely and reliable information to help you fully understand the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025, its requirements, recent immigration updates, and how to pursue this opportunity safely and effectively.

Cuban passport with the U.S. flag and legal documents, symbolizing the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025 for permanent residency — AI generated for illustrative purposes

What Is the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025 and Who Can Benefit from It? 🧭

The Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025 enables certain Cuban nationals or citizens in the U.S. to apply for permanent residency (Green Card) via adjustment of status—provided they meet specific requirements: being admitted or paroled, and having accumulated one year of physical presence in the U.S. at the time of filing. Additionally, spouses and unmarried children under 21—regardless of nationality—may derive benefits.

Core Eligibility Requirements under the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025 ✅

To apply under the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025, generally you must:

Be a native or citizen of Cuba
Have been inspected and admitted, or paroled into the U.S.
Accumulate one year of physical presence in the U.S. at the time of submitting Form I-485
Be admissible or qualify for waivers, if applicable

These conditions align with USCIS adjustment-of-status guidance.

What's Changed in 2024–2025 and How Does It Affect You? 🧭📅

While border and parole policies have tightened, and asylum eligibility has become more restrictive, these updates do not eliminate access to the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025—provided you meet the admission/parole and physical presence criteria.

CHNV Parole (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) Program in 2025

On March 25, 2025, DHS announced the termination of the CHNV parole programs. All CHNV parole grants are set to terminate by April 24, 2025.
However, a federal district court temporarily stayed this termination on April 14, 2025, allowing existing parolees to remain and maintain work authorization until their parole period ends. No new CHNV parole applications are being accepted.
By June 2025, DHS began sending termination notices, revoking parole-based work authorization and urging recipients to self-deport or seek lawful status.

Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program (CFRP)

The CFRP, established in 2007, lets eligible U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents apply for parole for family members in Cuba. The program remains active in 2025, now using Form I-134A for sponsorship. Parole through CFRP still enables eligible beneficiaries to adjust status under the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025, if they meet the requirements.

Practical Steps to Apply under the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025 📝🌟

Verify your admission or parole – Proof like I-94, seal, or parole letter is essential.
Confirm one year of physical presence – Use documents such as rent receipts, pay stubs, bank statements, school/medical records.
Assess admissibility and waivers – Determine whether you need to address inadmissibility.
Include eligible family members – Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can derive benefits.
Prepare a complete filing package – File I-485, pay fees, include medical exam, identity/presence proof. Legal guidance can minimize rejection risk.

Common Pitfalls That Delay Cases under the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025 ⏳

Filing before the one-year physical presence is met
Not properly demonstrating your admission or parole status
Overlooking inadmissibility issues or waivers

FAQs about the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025 ❓

Is the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025 still valid?Yes. It remains a viable adjustment path for Cuban nationals admitted or paroled into the U.S., provided they meet requirements—including one year of physical presence. Recent policy shifts affect CHNV parole and asylum rules, but do not annul the law itself.
How do border or asylum restrictions impact me?These changes mostly apply to new asylum claims and border encounters. If you’ve already been admitted or paroled, you remain eligible to adjust via the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025—if all criteria are met.
What’s the current status of CHNV parole?DHS terminated CHNV parole (effective April 24, 2025), but a court stay is in place. Current parolees may maintain status and work authorization until parole expiration, though no new applications are being accepted.
Is the CFRP still functioning?Yes, CFRP continues—and requires Form I-134A for new sponsorships. It remains a valid route for parole, which may support adjustment later under the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025.
Can my non-Cuban spouse and children benefit?Absolutely. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 qualify to derive benefits from your adjustment under the Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025.
What proof is needed for the one-year physical presence?Use documentation like rent or utility invoices, employment records, bank statements, school or medical records, affidavits—to show continuous physical presence of at least one year at the time of filing.
What if I have inadmissibility issues?Some grounds may be waived; others are not. Early legal analysis is key. At De Maio Law, PLLC, we assess your background and advise on admissibility strategies before application.

Conclusion 🌿

The Cuban Adjustment Act in 2025 remains a strong path to lawful permanent residency for eligible Cuban nationals. Despite increased border restrictions and parole program shifts, it's still possible to navigate this process effectively—with planning, solid evidence, and sound guidance.