The application of the new travel restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump on the first day generated a wave of uncertainty, which is gradually coming to light, among Cubans flying to or from the island.
Although the U.S. government justifies the measure by citing alleged "inadequate verification procedures," for many families it has become a wall that cuts off the possibility of being reunited at its roots.
Katheleen Areas, a Cuban resident in the United States, expressed to CBS News Miami that she will no longer be able to bring her mother to live with her in South Florida.
“That was my plan, but now with these new restrictions, bringing her to the United States is out of the question,” he lamented.
His dream of applying for the family reunification program has become, in his words, a shattered illusion.
Another Cuban, Alexis Álvarez, returned from the island without major immigration issues, but his concerns did not end at the airport.
“Today, no one asked me anything, not even the usual secondary assessment,” he said in surprise.
However, what troubles him the most is that, according to his lawyer, he will not be able to bring his wife and son from Santiago de Cuba anytime soon. "It's a shame", he said with resignation.
Although the State Department has clarified that previously issued visas will not be revoked, customs officials maintain full discretion at the border. In practice, this means that holding a valid visa no longer guarantees entry into the country.
A Haitian citizen, Naray Llany, reported that he was questioned about the purpose and duration of his trip and that the agents checked whether his visa, issued three years ago, was still valid under the new parameters.
Haiti, unlike Cuba or Venezuela, faces a total embargo, while the other two are under partial restrictions.
The most painful testimonies come from those who still do not have a visa and watch as the last doors close.
“My family didn't have a visa, and now they can't get one,” said a Cuban woman in a low voice who preferred to remain anonymous as she boarded her flight to Havana.
Another traveler, also Cuban, commented that her family on the island has lost all hope. “They don't have it and now they won't have it,” she noted.
In a previously issued report, it was mentioned that flights from Cuba, Haiti, and other Caribbean regions landed without incidents. However, the atmosphere at Miami airport was not one of relief.
“Just for the whim of a man, everything has been turned upside down”, declared Magda Moreno, an American citizen of Cuban origin, to the newspaper Miami Herald.
Some travelers reported normal entries, but with the bitter feeling that this could be their last time.
According to figures from the American Council on Immigration, the update to the travel ban could impact up to 34,000 immigrant visas and over 125,000 non-immigrant visas, leaving thousands of Cubans stranded between borders and their hopes of family reunification stalled.
Although there are exceptions for permanent residents, diplomats, and refugees, experts warn that scrutiny will be greater for citizens of countries like Cuba, which, according to the official proclamation, do not have reliable identity verification mechanisms or cooperation with the U.S.
The measure revives the specter of the restrictive policies from Trump's first term, which many recall as a time of closed doors for legal immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Immigration Ban on Cubans
What is the impact of Trump's immigration ban on the family reunification of Cubans?
Trump's immigration ban has suspended family reunification processes for Cubans requested by legal permanent residents in the U.S., leaving many families in uncertainty. Although applications for spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens are not affected, those from permanent residents are on hold, complicating the reunification of thousands of Cuban families.
What visas have been suspended for Cubans under the new immigration ban?
The Trump immigration ban suspends the issuance of B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas for Cubans, affecting those seeking to enter the U.S. for business, tourism, academic studies, vocational training, or cultural exchange. The restrictions also involve a reduction in the validity of other non-immigrant visas.
What exceptions exist to the immigration ban for Cubans?
Exceptions to the immigration ban include lawful permanent residents and holders of diplomatic visas. Immediate family members of U.S. citizens with IR-1, IR-2, and IR-5 visas are also exempt, as well as individuals with dual nationality who can travel with a passport from a country not included in the restriction.
Why has Cuba been included in Trump's immigration ban?
Cuba has been included in the migration ban for being considered a "state sponsor of terrorism" and for its lack of cooperation with the U.S. on security and deportation issues. Additionally, the country has high rates of visa overstay, which has justified the imposition of these restrictions according to the U.S. government.
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