From Jennifer Leavitt-Wipf,
Your Guide to Immigration Issues.
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Definition: Status accorded 1) Cubans who entered illegally or were paroled into the United States between April 15, 1980, and October 10, 1980, and 2) Haitians who entered illegally or were paroled into the country before January 1, 1981. Cubans and Haitians meeting these criteria who have continuously resided in the United States since before January 1, 1982, and who were known to the INS (now the USCIS) before that date, may adjust to permanent residence under a provision of the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986. The dates are key here, as laws have changed.

Pronunciation: Q-bun/Hey-shun En-trunt

Examples: Juan came from Cuba on May 1, 1980, smuggled in on a boat. He was an illegal alien, but he reported his presence to the INS (now known as the USCIS) on December 15, 1981. Lula is a Haitian who was smuggled into the U.S. by boat on December 10, 1979. She reported her presence to the INS on December 15, 1981. Both Juan and Lula are considered Cuban/Haitian entrants, granted status in the United States because they met the right date criteria.