Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 in Charleston, SC

Unique circumstances sometimes mandate unique solutions! That was the U.S. government's 1966 answer to accepting Cubans fleeing from the iron fist of Cuba. Sometimes known as the "one year and a day rule," it was a custom-designed road to permanent residency (green card) and eventual citizenship. It is still good law today but with a significant alteration.

Originally, if Cuban refugees were rescued at sea, they were admitted to the US, and since 1995, if they are intercepted, they are returned or sent to accommodating third countries. However, if they get ashore, they are lawfully admitted or paroled into the US. Making it to "dry land" is essential.

After one year and a day, they can adjust status, provided,

1. It can be proven that they are a Cuban national (Cuban passport or birth certificate is best evidence),
2. They were admitted into the U.S. with inspection after January 1, 1959 and did not sneak in,
3. They have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 1 year before filing for their adjustment of status,
4. They can produce a local U.S. jurisdiction police clearance from any location where they resided for at least 6 months since their 14th birthday,
5. Even if they were a public charge.

Submission Process

No preliminary petition, which would form a basis for the adjustment of status filing, is necessary. The application to adjust status to that of a permanent resident was formerly processed and approved by an immigration judge and by the USCIS & the former INA. Now, only the USCIS can approve these petitions. The application will require USCIS Form I-485, I-693 Medical Report, I-643 Health and Human Services Statistical Data Sheet, G-325, photographs, accompanying documentation, and all required filing fees. The interview and approval can take up to 5 years.

Arrests for Removal Proceedings

Now, Cuban refugees arrested at their border entry are usually declared Cuban asylees and referred to Immigration Court, which places them into removal or deportation. These are not typical asylee cases. If this happens, retain a Charleston immigration attorney to postpone the judicial proceedings and quickly file your adjustment of status with USCIS.