This week, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a change in its policy in regards to recognizing Cuban citizenship. As of last week, the USCIS made the decision to no longer recognize Cuban citizenship for individuals who have consular certificates stating that they were born outside of Cuba to Cuban parents. The individuals that will be impacted by this change in policy are those who were born outside of Cuba but are trying to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the United States under the Cuban Adjustment Act.

This simply rescinds the “Matter of Vazquez” from the policy, which stated that consular certificates were valid as long as one of his or her parents is a valid Cuban citizenship. However, this policy is no longer in effect. As of late 2017, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will only accept valid Cuban passports and Cuban Civil Registry documents that were issued in Havana, Cuba to prove Cuban citizenship. This policy follows both Spain and Canada’s policies on Cuban citizenship.

It is important to stay up to date with USCIS policy that may impact you if you are in the process of trying to obtain legal residency. If you have questions about how this new policy may impact you, contact our firm today for quality legal representation.

The Law Offices of Cheryl R. David practices immigration law throughout NYC. If you have questions about your particular matters regarding immigration please contact the office to discuss your circumstances and options.