Cuban waited 9 years for a reunification appointment and Trump freezes it

Marcos, a 32-year-old Cuban who chose to follow the legal path to emigrate to the United States, has seen his family reunification process stalled after patiently waiting for nine years.

The young man, who was waiting to reunite with his father in the United States through an F2B visa, had finally been summoned to the embassy in Havana; however, just as the date arrived, the new proclamation from President Donald Trump put everything on hold.

The story was revealed by the newspaper El País, which reports how the case of Marcos, a fictitious name to protect his legal situation, symbolizes the blow that the recent entry ban on citizens from 12 countries, including Cuba, has dealt to thousands of Cuban families.

"Everyone is devastated. It's nine years of his life that have lost their meaning," declared Mabel Cuesta, a friend of the young man and an academic based in Houston.

Although her visa was approved during the consular interview, the issuance of the document was put on hold.

Starting this Monday at 12:01 a.m., the new immigration restriction signed by Trump went into effect, affecting both non-immigrant visas (such as B-1/B-2, F, M, and J) and migrants undergoing legal processes, placing them in a state of limbo.

The measure, according to the Republican administration, is in response to “national security issues” and the alleged failure of the Cuban government to share consular information and accept deportations.

The leader once again classified Cuba as a "state sponsor of terrorism" and justified the veto with data regarding alleged "excessive stays" of Cubans with visas.

For the Cuban-American community, mostly voters of the Republican Party, the decision has been seen as a betrayal, emphasized the Spanish newspaper.

"Since coming to power, this president has done nothing but marginalize the most vulnerable parts of the Cuban-American family; it's yet another betrayal," Cuesta stated.

María José Espinosa, executive director of the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas (CEDA), described the ban as an "arbitrary and profoundly cruel" measure.

It denounced that it punishes thousands of individuals with valid visas, who have no prior records or irregularities, many of whom have the sole intention of visiting their families or studying in the U.S.

“These individuals have valid visas for five years. They are citizens with regular documentation who have come to the country to visit their families, or to participate in academic, commercial, and cultural exchanges,” Espinosa told El País.

The announcement has generated anxiety and uncertainty: a young Cuban with a scholarship to pursue a doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania admitted that she lives in constant fear of her entry into the country being affected, even with an approved visa.

"Nothing guarantees your entry, even with a visa. Your status as a Cuban citizen places you in a situation of absolute vulnerability," she lamented.

Although the proclamation states that those who already have issued visas will be able to keep them, spokespeople from the State Department have caused confusion by claiming that even those individuals will not be able to travel while the order is in effect.

"It is a legally confusing proclamation, but emotionally devastating," Espinosa concluded.

The new immigration proclamation signed by Donald Trump has raised alarms among thousands of Cuban families who were waiting for reunification or had travel plans to the United States.

This executive order imposes restrictions on citizens from 19 countries, and although the limitation is partial in the case of Cuba, its consequences are devastating.

The island was included among the countries cited for an alleged lack of cooperation in matters of security and repatriation of nationals, which led to the suspension of tourist, study, business, and exchange visas, as well as halting ongoing immigration processes.

Under this new regulation, only the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—parents, spouses, and minor children—are exempt from the suspension.

In contrast, processes handled by permanent residents, such as those of many Cubans who had been waiting for years to reunite with their loved ones, have been indefinitely suspended.

Human rights organizations and legal experts have denounced the impact of the measure, pointing out that even those who already had an approved visa could encounter consular obstacles or be denied entry at points of entry.

The proclamation also creates confusion regarding its practical application. Although the State Department clarified that visas issued before its enactment would remain valid, they warn that the final decision on entry rests with immigration officials. This discretion heightens uncertainty and leaves many in an unprecedented immigration limbo.

Lawyers and activists advise Cubans to carefully review their status and seek legal counsel to avoid unintentional violations.

In the Cuban community, reactions have been one of anguish, anger, and deep disillusionment. Testimonies gathered by national media reveal how this policy has shattered the hopes of thousands of families once again, especially those who had already overcome the lengthy stages of a legal and costly migration process.

According to analysts and specialized reports, the so-called "travel ban 2.0" is not just an administrative measure, but another barrier on the long road to family reunification.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Immigration Restrictions for Cubans