Republican congressman Mario Díaz-Balart has openly admitted to having differences with the Trump administration regarding immigration policies. He acknowledged that his efforts to protect Cubans holding I-220A forms have yet to yield results.
In an exclusive interview with Martí Noticias, conducted by journalist Mario J. Pentón and published this Friday, Díaz-Balart discussed various topics including the status of Cuban immigrants undergoing legal processes, U.S. policy towards Cuba, and the transition process in Venezuela.
A Critical View on Immigrant Detentions
During the conversation recorded in Doral, Florida, amid the campaign for the November 3 elections, Díaz-Balart made a clear distinction between his support for closing the southern border — a measure he deems necessary — and the manner in which the administration handles deportations.
"I believe there's been an overreaction in enforcing that part of the law," he stated, describing the detention of individuals who are following legal immigration procedures as "an unnecessary and negative overreaction."
The congressman emphasized that arresting those who are legally navigating the system contradicts the goal of encouraging compliance.
"I am completely at odds with the administration's president on this matter," he declared unequivocally.
The Challenge of Protecting Cubans with I-220A
The I-220A form is a supervised release order issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which does not equate to the parole required to qualify under the Cuban Adjustment Act. This has left hundreds of thousands of Cubans in a migratory limbo during the Biden administration.
Díaz-Balart admitted that efforts made alongside colleagues María Elvira Salazar and Carlos Giménez — through meetings with high-ranking White House and Department of Homeland Security officials — have not yet altered the administration's stance.
"We haven't succeeded so far," he admitted, aligning with previous statements where he had already criticized some of the raids as excessive.
A Temporary Solution for Select Immigrants
The congressman proposed establishing a temporary program to review individual cases for immigrants from Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, prioritizing those with a higher likelihood of having legitimate asylum claims.
He argued that this approach aligns with existing legislation and the administration's goals: to identify and expel those who pose a risk while creating an orderly process for those with clean records.
Speaking candidly about who holds the power to enact change, he stated: "The only person who can change this is the President of the United States."
He added that "the only ones working seriously, with the potential to achieve something, are myself, Congresswoman Salazar, and Congressman Giménez." He recalled his influence during Trump's first term, when he quietly worked with the administration to temporarily legalize Venezuelans, and expressed hope for a similar outcome.
Cuba's Regime and Its Uncertain Future
On the topic of Cuba, Díaz-Balart expressed confidence that the regime's days are numbered.
"I am convinced this regime won’t survive the remaining two years and a bit more of President Trump's administration," he asserted.
He confirmed that the administration maintains contacts with individuals close to Raúl Castro — specifically mentioning Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the former leader's grandson — but was clear: "These are not negotiations."
According to him, Havana seeks to present superficial changes while Washington demands a profound political and economic transformation.
He described two potential scenarios for transition: a popular mobilization joined by low-ranking military members — akin to the Carnation Revolution in Portugal — or a decision by the power circle to facilitate an exit under increasing pressure.
Venezuela and Praise for María Corina Machado
Regarding Delcy Rodríguez remaining at the helm of the Venezuelan government, Díaz-Balart defended the administration's strategy, arguing that a simultaneous ousting of the entire Chavista structure could lead to clashes among the country’s various armed groups. "Transitions are not easy," he remarked.
He outlined three phases of the U.S. plan: stimulating the economy, transforming inherited institutions from the dictatorship, and holding free elections.
When discussing Rodríguez's cooperation with this process, he was precise: "Not because Delcy has changed," but because Washington's pressure leaves her no choice.
Speaking of María Corina Machado, the congressman was full of praise: "María Corina Machado is the undisputed leader of the Venezuelan people. She has earned it."
He expressed his expectation for her to lead an elected government during Trump's term, once the necessary institutional changes are in place.
Reflecting on his relationship with the administration, Díaz-Balart clearly stated: "I disagree with several things with the President of the United States, but on the matter of freedom in this hemisphere — Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua — we have not had a better ally than this president."
The situation regarding Cubans with I-220A and other immigration issues continues to evolve. Stay informed in our Immigration in the U.S. section, where we cover everything you need to know about policies, deportations, and immigration rights.
Understanding the Impact on Cuban Immigrants
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A is a supervised release order issued by ICE, which does not grant the parole status needed to qualify under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Why does Díaz-Balart disagree with Trump's immigration policies?
Díaz-Balart disagrees with the Trump administration's handling of deportations, particularly the detention of individuals following legal immigration processes, which he views as an unnecessary overreaction.