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The United States government reactivated Title III of the Helms-Burton Act on Friday and expanded the list of restricted Cuban entities as part of a tougher policy towards the regime announced by Donald Trump.
"The Trump administration is reinstating a tough policy toward Cuba that protects the United States and aids the Cuban people. We have kept Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism—where it belongs—and have taken other measures. The oppression of the Cuban regime against its people and its malevolent actions must end," stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio on his official X account.
The State Department also issued a statement confirming that on January 31, the "reactivation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act was approved, which allows U.S. citizens to file lawsuits for properties confiscated by the Cuban regime."
"The Trump administration is committed to ensuring that American citizens have the ability to file private lawsuits related to trafficked property that was confiscated by the Cuban regime," the text states.
According to this legislation, the U.S. also reinstated the so-called "Cuba Restricted List," a set of Cuban entities with which American citizens cannot conduct transactions due to their ties to the military, intelligence, or security apparatus of the regime.
Additionally, he added to this list the company Orbit, S.A., a business that processes remittances to Cuba, accused of operating for the benefit of the Cuban military forces.
He also reiterated that Cuba will remain on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation that the new administration deems appropriate given the historical collaboration of the Cuban regime with acts of international terrorism.
Since the first day of Trump's administration, the White House has made decisions to reverse the changes implemented by Joe Biden's government, which, according to the U.S. government, were misguided and detrimental to national interests.
The Trump administration asserted that its commitment is steadfast in holding the Cuban regime accountable for abuses, highlighting the oppression of the Cuban people and its negative interference in Latin America and other parts of the world.
The State Department also mentioned that the U.S. Embassy in Havana is in contact with the families of political detainees and dissidents, reaffirming the unconditional support of the United States for the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom and justice.
"We support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Cuban people and demand the release of all political prisoners who are unjustly detained. Our embassy in Havana is meeting with the families of those unjustly detained, as well as with dissidents, to let them know that the United States fully supports them," he emphasizes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Reactivation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act and U.S. Policy towards Cuba
What does the reactivation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Law imply?
The reactivation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act allows U.S. citizens to file lawsuits in U.S. courts for properties confiscated by the Cuban regime. This measure strengthens legal pressure on Cuba and aims to hold the Cuban government accountable for uncompensated expropriations.
Why does the United States keep Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
The United States keeps Cuba on this list because, according to the State Department, the Cuban government continues to provide safe haven to terrorists and fugitives from justice, as well as its relationship with guerrilla groups such as the ELN. This designation involves severe economic sanctions for Cuba.
What is the "Restricted List of Cuba" and what changes have been made?
The "Restricted List of Cuba" is a set of Cuban entities with which U.S. citizens cannot conduct transactions, due to their connections with the military, intelligence, or security apparatus of the regime. Recently, the company Orbit, S.A., which processes remittances to Cuba, was added to this list, accused of operating for the benefit of the Cuban military forces.
How does U.S. policy affect the Cuban people?
The policies of the United States towards Cuba, such as economic sanctions and inclusion on lists of state sponsors of terrorism, have a significant impact on the Cuban economy, restricting its access to trade and international aid. Although the U.S. government argues that these measures aim to weaken the regime, they also severely affect the Cuban people, increasing economic hardships and limiting development opportunities.
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