A Cuban denounced on social media the rejection of his immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, after several years of waiting. The reason was the controversial Presidential Proclamation 212(f), which has thwarted the immigration plans of thousands of Cuban families.
“Today I had my interview and honestly, it went very poorly”, begins the testimony shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón on his Facebook profile, where he presents the case of an applicant who received an official denial under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is used to restrict the entry of foreigners for security reasons.
The document provided to the affected party by the consular authorities in Havana makes it clear that a National Interest Exception (NIE) will not be granted, the only mechanism that would allow for a temporary bypass of this prohibition.
"We don't deserve this after so many years of waiting,” laments the applicant. "The hardest part is not knowing what effect this will have when, at some point, they remove that damned proclamation. So much time wasted…”
The emotional impact of the consular response is compounded by the deep desire for family reunification. “They have taken away our dream of being together with our families”, wrote the interviewee, reflecting the frustration shared by many Cubans caught between long waiting lists, bureaucratic decisions, and changing immigration policies.
This case occurs amidst a recent tightening of U.S. immigration policy. Starting June 9, the United States began implementing a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump that imposes travel restrictions on citizens of Cuba and Venezuela, citing national security concerns and a lack of consular cooperation.
The measure affects B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), F (student), M (technical studies), and J (cultural exchange) visas. In the case of Cuba, the proclamation argues that the country is a “state sponsor of terrorism” and has high rates of visa overstays. Additionally, it points out that Havana does not cooperate on deportations nor shares sufficient information with U.S. authorities.
Although some exceptions have been considered, such as legal permanent residents, applicants for immediate family visas, or cases of national interest, many Cubans like the whistleblower have found themselves caught in a policy that, according to activists and migrants, prioritizes restrictions over family connections.
In his message, the applicant does not hide his bewilderment or his desire to be heard: “I would like to express so many things, but the words escape me. The only thing I know for sure is that we are all affected, both those of us here and our family members over there.”
The case brings a human face to a painful reality: the forced separation of Cuban families due to consular decisions backed by national security policies. While thousands await an opportunity to emigrate legally, just as many watch their dream fade away.
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