The Visa Fast Track for Cubans

In 2007, the U.S. Government enacted new fast-track policies to help unify Cuban families. Under the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program, Cubans granted permission to travel here by U.S. authorities will no longer have to wait in Cuba to receive permanent residency. They will now be given a travel document that would ''parole'' them into the United States, so they can wait here for their green card to be delivered to them. Even with the new program, however, there is no guarantee that Cubans with approved parole will enter the country any faster. That's because they still must get an exit permit from the Cuban government.

Those likely to benefit from the new parole program include siblings and adult children of Cuban exiles who are U.S. citizens or spouses, and minor children of Cuban green card holders. Visas are normally available quickly for immediate relatives such as spouses, minor children and parents of U.S. citizens. These people are specifically excluded from the new program.

Under other accords, the United States has agreed to issue 20,000 visas a year and Cuba agreed to curb unrestricted departures of undocumented Cuban migrants. The accords helped end the 1994 rafter exodus, which brought 37,191 Cuban migrants to the United States.

Be certain to ask Attorney Gabriel Jose Carrera about this fast track program and whether you or a family member may be affected.