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The administration of President Donald Trump is considering imposing entry restrictions on citizens from 43 countries, including Cuba, organized into three categories: "red," "orange," and "yellow."
According to a report published by The New York Times this Friday, the list is still not final and may undergo changes before being approved by the White House.
Information provided to that newspaper by diplomatic and security officials under anonymity indicates that the "red list" includes 11 countries that would face a total entry ban to the United States: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
In the "orange list," which would see visa restrictions significantly tightened, are: Belarus,
Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan.
The leaked document does not specify details about the "yellow list," although it is expected to include countries with less strict restrictions.
Officials emphasized that the proposal has been developed by the State Department and that it is still under review, meaning adjustments could be made before its implementation.
This plan follows the line of restrictive immigration policies adopted during Trump's first administration, and if approved, it could provoke international reactions.
According to a report this week in El Nuevo Herald, this plan was designed by Stephen Miller, a former advisor to Trump and the architect of his stricter immigration policies, and 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, who recently traveled to the United States to receive medical treatment.
The measure falls under an executive order directing the State Department to partially or fully suspend the admission of citizens from countries deemed deficient in "migration research and selection."
Although previous versions of this policy under Trump included a waiver mechanism, this time it could be completely eliminated.
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 be transferred to Miami for treatment. Their journey to receive medical care, made possible by current policies, exemplifies how the ban could endanger lives.
On the other hand, Florida Republican congressmembers 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 affected.
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 could argue that the ban unfairly impacts their relatives and violates fundamental rights.
Frequently Asked Questions about Entry Restrictions to the U.S. for Citizens of Certain Countries
Which countries are on the "red list" of entry restrictions to the U.S.?
The "red list" includes 11 countries whose citizens would face a total ban on entry to the United States: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
What implications would a ban on entry for Cubans into the U.S. have?
The total entry ban for Cubans "without exceptions" would affect all citizens of Cuba, even those seeking asylum or medical treatment, raising concerns among human rights advocates and potentially influencing diplomatic relations between both countries.
How is the list of entry restrictions to the U.S. classified?
The list of restrictions is classified into three categories: "red", with a total entry ban; "orange", with severe visa restrictions; and "yellow", with less strict restrictions and the possibility to rectify immigration deficiencies.
Which countries are on the "orange list" of visa restrictions?
The "orange list" includes countries such as Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan, whose citizens will face a significant tightening of visa restrictions.
When is the final list of entry restrictions expected to be implemented?
It is expected that the final list of countries under immigration restrictions will be presented by the Department of State, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security before March 21. The list is still under review and may be subject to changes before final approval.
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