If you are an immigrant and live in the United States, you need to get a green card. This is the document that recognizes and supports permanent legal residence in the United States.
Green cards are issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once obtained, it gives the individual various rights, allowing them to apply for US citizenship after five years.
Cubans or Cuban citizens living in the United States may obtain permanent residency through other means. In this case they can opt for the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1996 (CAA), as prescribed by USCIS.
Requirements for obtaining a green card
USCIS requires you to meet certain requirements to get a green card under the CAA.
- You must properly file Form I-485, Registration of Permanent Residence or Application to Adjust Status.
- Be a naturalized or Cuban citizen.
- Have been investigated and admitted or received parole after January 1, 1959.
- You must have lived in the United States for at least one year at the time you file your Form I-485.
- Be physically present in the United States at the time you file your Form I-485.
- You are admissible to the United States for permanent residence or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility or another form of immigration relief.
- USCIS is subject to a favorable exercise of discretion.
The principal applicant must present proof of Cuban citizenship or birth in Cuba.
For example, a passport of the Republic of Cuba, expired or current, that indicates Cuba as the passport holder’s place of birth.
Birth certificate issued by the relevant civil registry in Cuba.
But if you were not born in Cuba but you are a citizen of Cuba, you can prove it by presenting the following documents:
- Valid Cuban passport (Passport of the Republic of Cuba).
- Certificate of Nationality.
- Citizenship letter.
How long does a green card take?
The process of obtaining a green card can take several months or even a year.
You will need to wait four to eight weeks after submitting your application. During this time, you will receive a notice in the mail with the date for the adjustment of status interview.
The adjustment of status interview notice is sent as Form I-797, Notice of Action. Generally, the interview takes 6 to 12 months after the I-485 is filed. This time will be enough to prepare your answers and documents.
After the interview, if everything goes well, you may be granted permanent residency.
You will receive the green card between 8 and 14 months after submitting the application.
If your application is denied, you will be sent a notice explaining the reasons for denial.
By 2024, the government expects to issue 165 thousand green cards or permanent residence cards.
The Biden administration has proposed creating a new visa category for people working in essential industries. People who work in sectors like healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing will have the opportunity to get permanent residency.
