Obtaining a green card via the Cuban adjustment act

The Cuban adjustment act of 1996 (CAA) provides for a special procedure under which Cuban natives or citizens and their accompanying spouses and children may get a green card (permanent residence). The Cuban adjustment act, as described by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, gives the Attorney General the discretion to grant permanent residence to Cuban natives or citizens applying for a green card if:

• They have been present in the United States for at least 1 year
• They have been admitted or paroled
• They are admissible as immigrants

Cuban nationals applying for a green card (permanent residence) may be approved even if they do not meet the ordinary requirements under Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Since the caps on immigration do not apply to adjustments under the Cuban adjustment act, it is not necessary for the individual to be the beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition. Additionally, a Cuban native or citizen who arrives at a place other than an open port-of-entry may still be eligible for a green card if USCIS has paroled the individual into the United States.

Eligibility Criteria to qualify for the Cuban adjustment act

Cuban natives or citizens can apply for a green card while in the United States if they have been present in the United States for at least 1 year, have been admitted or paroled and are admissible as immigrants.

The following inadmissibility grounds do not apply to individuals filing for benefits under the CAA:

• Public charge
• Arriving at a place other than an open port of entry provided USCIS paroled the individual into the United States

If the individual is inadmissible on any other ground(s), he or she is not eligible to apply for a green card under the CAA unless he or she has obtained a waiver of inadmissibility.

Family Member of Cuban Native or Citizen Applying Under the Cuban adjustment act

The spouse and child(ren) of an individual applying for a green card under the Cuban adjustment act may also apply for benefits under the CAA regardless of their country of citizenship or place of birth, if:

• The relationship continues to exist until the dependent spouse or child receives a green card
• They are residing with the individual applying for a green card under the CAA in the United States
• They apply for a green card under the Cuban Adjustment Act
• They are eligible to receive an immigrant visa
• They are otherwise admissible to the United States for such permanent residence

If you need expert assistance with the Cuban adjustment act to secure permanent residency, contact our Charlotte immigration office today at (704) 644-7065 to schedule an appointment.