Trump's plan would consider a ban on entry for Cubans and Venezuelans to the U.S. "without exceptions."

Trump's plan to ban the entry of Cubans and Venezuelans into the U.S. without exceptions raises concerns about its impact on human rights, elections, and migration agreements.

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The Trump administration is considering a total entry ban for citizens of Cuba and Venezuela to the United States "without exceptions," according to sources close to the plan.

This policy would affect all nationals from these countries, regardless of their place of residence, preventing them from entering even if they seek asylum or medical treatment, reported the newspaper El Nuevo Herald, which consulted sources close to the government.

According to the newspaper, this plan was designed by Stephen Miller, a former advisor to Trump and the architect of his stricter immigration policies, and it could also affect Cubans and Venezuelans residing in third countries who do not hold any other citizenship.

The sources consulted by El Nuevo Herald indicated that the measure does not include exceptions for the elderly, the sick, or persecuted political dissidents, such as the recent cases of the child Damir Ortiz and the opposition figure Martha Beatriz Roque, which has raised concerns among human rights advocates and members of Congress.

The measure is part of an executive order instructing the Department of State to partially or fully suspend the admission of citizens from countries deemed deficient in "immigration screening and selection."

Although previous versions of this policy under Trump included a waiver mechanism, it could be completely eliminated this time.

In this regard, the media cites cases such as that of Damir Ortiz, a 10-year-old Cuban boy with leukemia, and dissident Martha Beatriz Roque, who were able to travel to Miami for treatment. Their journey for medical care, made possible by the current policies, illustrates how the prohibition could endanger lives.

On the other hand, the Republican congressmen from Florida, Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos Giménez, would face pressure from their constituents, as the Cuban and Venezuelan community in South Florida would be severely impacted.

Although Florida is a Republican stronghold, analysts warn that this policy could influence the upcoming midterm elections.

Lawyers and former prosecutors warn that the plan could face legal challenges, particularly due to the lack of exemptions. David Weinstein, a former state and federal prosecutor in Miami-Dade, noted that Cubans and Venezuelans might argue that the ban unfairly impacts their relatives and violates fundamental rights.

The lack of clarity regarding the implementation has generated uncertainty among lawmakers, including some Republicans who are unaware of the details of the plan.

Congress members like Salazar and Giménez have stated that they were not informed about the proposal, highlighting the secrecy with which it has been handled.

This prohibition could also affect the Migration Agreements between the U.S. and Cuba, in effect since 1984, which would complicate the repatriation of deported Cubans.

In addition, it could jeopardize cooperation with other Caribbean countries that have previously been contacted by the Trump administration to accept undocumented migrants, warn the experts consulted by the Herald.

Meanwhile, human rights groups and organizations from the Cuban-American and Venezuelan communities have begun to mobilize against the measure, arguing that it goes against the historical principles of support for the people of these countries who are fleeing authoritarian regimes.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Entry Ban for Cubans and Venezuelans to the U.S.

What does the entry ban plan for Cubans and Venezuelans entail?

The plan includes a complete ban on entry for citizens of Cuba and Venezuela into the United States without exceptions, even for those seeking asylum or medical treatment. This measure would also impact residents of third countries who do not hold any other citizenship.

Who designed this entry ban policy?

The policy was designed by Stephen Miller, a former advisor to Trump and the architect of his strictest immigration policies. This measure could involve the removal of exemption mechanisms that existed in earlier versions of Trump's immigration policy.

How could this measure affect the migration agreements between the U.S. and Cuba?

The prohibition could affect the Migration Agreements between the U.S. and Cuba, in place since 1984, making it more difficult to repatriate deported Cubans and compromising cooperation with other Caribbean countries to accept undocumented migrants.

What reactions has Trump's proposal generated among the Florida congress members?

Republican congressmen from Florida, such as Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos Giménez, are facing pressure from their constituents due to the negative impact this measure could have on the Cuban and Venezuelan communities in South Florida. These congressmen have stated that they were not informed about the proposal, highlighting the secrecy with which it has been handled.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.