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The administration of President Donald Trump may implement a travel restriction that would ban citizens from Cuba and other countries from entering the United States, according to officials from that country who confirmed this to The New York Times.
The prohibition would be included in an executive order signed by Trump on January 20, titled "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Others," aimed at preventing "threats to national security and public safety."
Two officials, whose identities were not revealed, informed The New York Times that the Trump administration is finalizing the details of the new ban, which would be broader than those imposed during his first term.
The circulated draft with the measure proposes a "red" list of countries to whose citizens Trump could prohibit entry into the United States. Among those nations, Cuba is included.
One of the officials stated that the proposed red list includes countries whose nationals were restricted under versions of Trump's previous travel ban.
Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen were on the list during the first term and it is now tentatively suggested to add Afghanistan.
"They would categorically be prohibited from entering the United States, the source stated to The New York Times."
The order would also include an "orange list" of countries whose access would be restricted but not completely banned.
In that case, certain types of visas could be issued (such as for business travels, but not for immigrants or tourists), and the duration of stay would be shorter.
In a "yellow" category, countries whose nationals would have 60 days to correct certain deficiencies detected or would be added to one of the other two lists.
According to the agency Reuters, the Department of State (DOS, in English), the Department of Justice (DOJ, in English), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, in English) were urged to submit a final list of countries under immigration restrictions by March 21.
Members of those departments must submit a list of countries to which travel should be partially or totally suspended because their "research and selection information is very deficient."
In recent days, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new policy of visa restrictions aimed at foreign government officials and others involved in facilitating illegal migration to the United States.
In an effort to protect the country's borders and ensure national security, Rubio emphasized that the new policy will apply to officials of foreign governments, including those in charge of immigration and customs, airport and port authorities, and other actors who, deliberately facilitate illegal immigration.
The visa restrictions will remain in effect until foreign officials take measures to ensure that effective policies are in place and immigration laws are enforced to prevent the illegal transit of migrants.
The policy is implemented under section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes the Secretary of State to declare any foreign national inadmissible whose entry into the United States "could have serious adverse consequences for the foreign policy of the United States."
In addition, some relatives of the officials involved may also be subject to these restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Immigration Restrictions on Cuba
What does the "red list" of countries in Trump's restriction plan imply?
The "red list" of countries includes nations whose citizens could be categorically banned from entering the United States. Cuba is listed alongside Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. This measure is part of an effort to protect the national and public security of the U.S.
How will the elimination of humanitarian parole affect Cubans?
The removal of the humanitarian parole could leave many Cubans without immediate legal options to emigrate to the United States. This program allowed for legal entry with temporary permits, and its elimination means that over half a million people who had already been approved now face the possibility of deportation if they do not find other ways to regularize their status.
Which countries are on the "orange list" and what does it mean?
The "orange list" includes countries whose access to the U.S. would be restricted, but not entirely prohibited. Although the article does not specify who is on this list, citizens from these countries could obtain certain types of visas, such as for business travel, but not for immigrants or tourists, and the duration of their stay would be shorter.
What measures has Trump taken to pressure the Cuban regime?
Trump has re-listed Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, restricted remittances, and eliminated the humanitarian parole program. These measures aim to economically suffocate the Cuban regime and limit its influence in the region, also affecting the population that relies on remittances and legal migration options.
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