CUBAN ENTRANTS
ISSUE DATE: 03/2026
There are two categories of people who are Cuban Entrants in immigration law.
The first category of Cuban Entrants have a status which does not expire even if the parole period ends or even if they have a final order of removal from the United States. This category includes citizens of Cuba who:
● | Entered the United States with Humanitarian Parole; OR |
● | Were admitted as a “Cuban/Haitian Entrant” (CHE); OR |
● | Have admission paperwork that cites INA section 212 (d)(5), which indicates humanitarian parole. |
This category of Cuban Entrant is eligible for federal public benefits for as long as they remain in the United States, regardless of status.
They are eligible regardless of the status they hold at application as long as they are present in the United States, and other program eligibility criteria are met.
The second category includes any other citizen of Cuba who:
● | Has ever been paroled into the United States and does not have another immigration status; OR |
● | Has a case pending in immigration court (are in removal proceedings); OR |
● | Has applied for asylum, |
AND | |
● | Does not have a final removal (deportation) order. This category of Cuban Entrant is also eligible for federal public benefits. NOTE: Even if the parole period has expired for individuals in this category, if the Cuban Entrant has not changed their status, they are still eligible for federal public benefits. |
Eligibility |
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Most common examples of Immigration Documentation | Cuban citizens have complex United States immigration documents - submit a PQ with any questions.
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Likely to be sponsored? | Sponsor deeming does not apply. |
Category Code - Lawful Permanent Resident Card
| CH6, HA6, HB6, HC6, HD6, HE6, HA7, HB7, HC7, HD7, HE7, HA8, HB8, HC8, HD8, HE8, HA9, HB9, HC9, HD9, HE9 |
Category Code - Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
| C11, C08, A08, many other possible codes |
Combined Manual Reference | See also: 0029.39 (The Matching Grant Program) |
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