Cuban Adjustment Cases in Pembroke Pines and Southwestern Broward
Pembroke Pines is part of the South Florida corridor where Cuban families have settled for generations. Many residents now help newly arrived relatives complete the one-year wait, and neighbors in Pembroke Shores and Chapel Trail frequently share stories about entry dates, I-94 mistakes and sudden requests for evidence.
Interviews for Broward applicants are commonly scheduled at the Oakland Park Field Office, while any case that has reached immigration court is heard in downtown Miami. Applicants whose relatives remain in Cuba should be careful about travel there, since trips can raise questions about the basis for parole and the intent behind past asylum claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
I arrived from Cuba six months ago. Can I file now?
Generally not. The statute requires one year of physical presence in the United States before adjustment, so filing earlier risks denial and a lost fee. Use the waiting period to gather an I-94, passport copies and proof of residence, and to renew any parole-based work permit. A lawyer can confirm the exact filing date based on your entry record.
Does it matter that I entered between ports of entry?
It can. The law requires inspection and admission or parole, and people who crossed without inspection but were later released may be treated differently from those paroled at a port of entry. Documents from the border, such as a Form I-220A or an I-94, decide the answer, so bring every paper you received.
Can my non-Cuban spouse and children get a green card with me?
Yes, in many cases. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an eligible Cuban applicant can adjust under the Cuban Adjustment Act regardless of their own nationality, if they are in the United States and admissible. The relationship must be documented, and each person needs a separate application with their own fees and medical exam.
Will I lose my chance if my parole expired?
Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on having been paroled or admitted and then staying for a year, not on keeping parole valid forever. An expired parole still shows how you entered. Still, expired status can affect work authorization and other issues, so review your documents promptly rather than waiting.
Can I travel to Cuba after filing for adjustment?
Travel while an I-485 is pending is risky. Leaving the United States without advance parole can be treated as abandoning the application, and trips to Cuba can prompt questions from USCIS about past claims of fear. Speak with an attorney before booking any international travel, including short visits to relatives.
What if I have a removal case in Miami immigration court?
The application may need to be presented to the immigration judge instead of USCIS, and DHS counsel can contest it. The court case also has its own deadlines for filings and hearings. Do not ignore a Notice to Appear, because a missed hearing can result in an order of removal that is difficult to reopen.