The United States government has issued a strong warning that could affect thousands of individuals with approved visas, including many Cubans, indicating that holding a visa does not guarantee entry into the country or the right to remain on its territory.
Through a message posted on its official account on social media X, the State Department stated that "the U.S. visa selection process does not end upon issuance. We continuously verify visa holders to ensure they comply with all U.S. immigration laws and regulations. If they do not, we will revoke their visa and deport them".
The message was released just one day after the news broke about the case of Juana Orquídea Acanda Rodríguez, a 62-year-old former Cuban judge who was detained at Miami International Airport on March 20, upon arriving with an immigrant visa processed by her son, a U.S. citizen.
According to journalist Mario J. Pentón, Acanda concealed her active involvement in the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and her history of over three decades as an official in the regime's judicial system during the visa application process.
Agents from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that the woman deliberately lied and admitted to making false statements to obtain immigration benefits.
Now she faces charges of immigration fraud, misrepresentation, and false documentation, and she will be expelled from the country under section 212(a) of immigration law.
The case of Acanda adds to a growing list of former officials from the Cuban regime who have attempted to enter or are already in the U.S. thanks to programs such as family reunification or humanitarian parole.
This atmosphere of review and scrutiny was reinforced by the statements from the current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who strongly addressed the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a resident who participated in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and was arrested following the revocation of his residency card.
“Coming to the United States with a visa is a privilege, not a right. The Trump administration is determined to deny or revoke your visa if you are here to support terrorists”, Rubio wrote on X.
Rubio added that even those with a green card can be deported if it is discovered that they participated in activities that threaten national security.
“This is not about freedom of expression. This is about people who, to begin with, have no right to be in the United States,” he declared to reporters during a layover in Ireland after his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Key recommendations
Those planning to travel to the U.S. should keep in mind that the immigration system is becoming increasingly vigilant. Authorities recommend:
- Be transparent and truthful in requests.
- Strictly comply with immigration laws.
- Do not participate in political or social activities that may be interpreted as a threat to national security.
- Stay informed through official sources, avoiding rumors or false assurances.
Frequently asked questions about U.S. visas and their impact on Cubans
Does having a visa guarantee entry to the United States?
No, possession of a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. The U.S. government conducts ongoing checks on visa holders to ensure they comply with all immigration laws and regulations. If they do not, visas may be revoked and deportation may be pursued.
What consequences do migrants face if they hide information during the visa process?
Hiding information or lying in the visa process can result in visa revocation and deportation. The case of Juana Orquídea Acanda Rodríguez, who concealed her membership in the Communist Party of Cuba, is an example of the severe legal consequences, including charges of fraud and false documentation.
What recommendations have U.S. authorities given to avoid visa issues?
Authorities recommend being transparent and truthful in visa applications, strictly adhering to immigration laws, and avoiding participation in activities that may be considered a threat to national security. It is also essential to stay informed through official sources.
What changes have occurred in immigration controls for former officials of the Cuban regime?
The immigration scrutiny for former officials of the Cuban regime has been intensified. This includes a more rigorous monitoring of those attempting to enter the U.S. through programs such as family reunification or humanitarian parole, as evidenced by recent cases of former officials detained while trying to enter the country.
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