Cuban Adjustment (CAA) : Time- 30 min

What is the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA)? It is a federal law that protects Cubans and their immediate families, allowing them to apply for permanent residency in the U.S. Any Cuban who arrived in the U.S. after January 1, 1959 and has been there for more than a year you can benefit from it.
Benefits of the Cuban Adjustment Act:
• Cubans in the US for more than one year can obtain residency without needing a sponsor.
• They have a status similar to that of a political refugee, which allows them to travel outside the US without losing their immigration process.
• They can obtain a work permit, social security number and state assistance for housing and food.
• Spouses and children can also receive these benefits if they meet the requirements.
Requirements to apply:
• Be Cuban by birth or by citizenship.
• Have arrived in the US after January 1, 1959.
• Have lived in the US continuously for at least one year.
• Be present in the US at the time of applying.
Necessary documents:
• Form I-485 to apply for residency.
• Proof of Cuban citizenship.
• Birth certificate.
• Two passport type photos.
• Evidence of having lived in the US for one year.
• Form I-94 entry/departure.
• Medical examination and vaccinations.
• Criminal and judicial records.
For immediate family members, additional documents such as marriage certificates and proof of
family relationship.
Evidence of permanence in the US: To prove that you have lived in the US for one year, you can present:
• Employment records.
• School records.
• Medical records.
• Financial documents.
• Lease contracts.
• Service receipts.
• Birth certificates of children in the USA.
• Dated photographs.
• Proof of attendance at events.
If you are about to celebrate one year living in the United States and consider applying for the Cuban Adjustment Act, it is essential that you know the costs associated with this process.
Government costs:
• The residency application (Form I-485) costs $1,440.
• For children under 14 years of age who apply with at least one of their parents, the fee is $950.
• Additionally, there is a $30 fee for biometric services.
Legal costs:
• Immigration attorneys generally charge between $2,000 and $6,000 to assist in the Green Card process, depending on the case and the law firm.
Options to reduce costs:
• It is possible to carry out these procedures for less money and you could even request a fee waiver to avoid paying government costs.

After more than half a century, the Cuban Adjustment Act remains a testament to the solidarity and commitment of the United States to those seeking refuge and a better life.

Although it has undergone changes and adjustments over the years, its essence remains: providing a path to residency and eventually citizenship for Cubans and their families.