Federal Lawsuit Seeks to Expedite 100,000 Stalled Cuban Cases

Thousands of Cubans applying for permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act may have new legal hope. A team of attorneys is leading a federal class action lawsuit against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to compel processing of more than 100,000 stalled cases since December 2025.

The Stalled Cases Crisis

The massive suspension of immigration processes has left tens of thousands of Cubans in devastating legal limbo. According to immigration attorney Claudia Cañizares, who leads the initiative alongside attorney Mark Prada, the paralysis affects Cubans who entered through various immigration channels and subsequently applied for permanent residency.

“Our goal with this lawsuit is to push these processes forward, demonstrate the harm being inflicted on this community, and eventually secure approval of their residency,” Cañizares stated in an interview with Telemundo 51.

Scale of the Problem

The numbers are alarming. More than 100,000 cases could be impacted by the suspension or delays in processing green card applications for Cubans. During this waiting period, many applicants have not only seen their applications paused but also faced additional obstacles like work permit denials.

Who Can Join the Lawsuit?

The legal action primarily targets Cuban nationals who entered the United States through specific migration programs and later applied for permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Potential beneficiaries include:

• Cubans from the Family Reunification Program
• Individuals admitted under Humanitarian Parole
• Immigrants who arrived with CBP One appointments
• Applicants for residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act
• Individuals not currently detained by immigration authorities

Legal Costs and Protections

As a class action lawsuit, there is the possibility that the federal government might reach a judicial agreement to expedite pending case reviews. Cañizares assured that participants have protection mechanisms against potential reprisals from joining a legal action against a federal agency.

Cost Structure:

• Individual: $4,000
• Couples or single mothers with children: $6,000
• Families with more than four members: $8,000
• Financing options available

If the litigation results in a government agreement, some cases might be resolved relatively quickly. “If we reach an agreement with the government, it could be granted as soon as within one, two, or three months,” Cañizares indicated.

Context: Trump’s 2025-2026 Immigration Policy

This massive suspension of immigration processes stems from a broad policy adopted during the Trump administration, which temporarily halted the processing of various immigration benefits—including asylum, permanent residency, and naturalization—for citizens from 19 countries deemed high-risk, including Cuba and Venezuela.

The policy was formalized through a USCIS memorandum issued in December 2025, instructing officials to pause multiple applications pending a comprehensive national security review. The order also called for reassessing previously approved immigration benefits for applicants from those countries.

The 2025 “Travel Ban”

The policy is also linked to the presidential proclamation known as the “travel ban”, signed in June 2025, which restricted the issuance of several visa categories for Cuban citizens, including tourist, business, study, and academic exchange visas.

Human Impact: Families in Crisis

As a result, thousands of immigrants already in the United States—many admitted through humanitarian programs or family reunification processes—have been left in a migratory limbo while awaiting the processing of their permanent residency applications.

María González, a 34-year-old Cuban who arrived through humanitarian parole in 2024, describes her situation: “We live in constant fear. My work permit was denied, my husband can’t work, and now we don’t know what’s going to happen with our residency application.”

The federal lawsuit seeks to pressure authorities to reactivate these files and provide an answer to those who claim to have met all requirements to regularize their status in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Federal Lawsuit

What is the purpose of the federal lawsuit?

The lawsuit aims to compel USCIS to advance stalled permanent residency applications, primarily affecting Cuban nationals under the Cuban Adjustment Act.

Who is eligible to join the legal action?

Cuban nationals who entered the U.S. through specific migration programs and applied for residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act are eligible.

Are there costs involved in joining the lawsuit?

Yes, costs vary based on family composition, with fees ranging from $4,000 for individuals to $8,000 for larger families.

How quickly could cases be resolved if there’s an agreement?

If an agreement is reached with the government, some cases could be resolved within one to three months, according to attorney Cañizares.

How to Join the Lawsuit

Interested individuals can contact the law firm directly at 305-680-0036. The team recommends sending a text or WhatsApp message with the phrase: “I am interested in joining the lawsuit.” They can also complete an online form, after which the legal team will follow up with calls or send additional information via email.

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This is a developing story. We will continue updating with new developments in this important federal lawsuit.