The U.S. cancels the visa of a Cuban citizen after obtaining additional information

The United States Embassy in Havana revoked the valid visa of a Cuban citizen after receiving “new information” about his case, as reported on Friday by the independent media elTOQUE.

The measure, implemented with immediate effect, prevents the affected individual from entering U.S. territory and leaves open the possibility that other Cubans may face similar situations.

According to the publication, consular officials based their decision on Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which empowers the U.S. Government to cancel an already issued visa if information arises indicating that its holder has lost eligibility to maintain it.

The law allows for the revocation of visas in cases of suspicion of fraud, security concerns, criminal records, or undeclared illegal stays, and even when there are indications that the beneficiary may be deemed inadmissible for unspecified reasons.

The State Department, when consulted by elTOQUE, declined to provide details about the case citing confidentiality, but confirmed that revocations occur when the government receives "negative information indicating that a person has lost their right to have a visa (...) because they pose a threat to public or national security."

The journalist Mario J. Pentón from Martí Noticias commented on the case on his social media with a message that quickly went viral among Cubans both on the island and abroad:

"Visa revoked in Havana. You can't be with the regime and come to enjoy in the U.S. COHERENCE!"

Although neither elTOQUE nor the Pentón publication identify the affected citizen, the comment has reignited a recurring debate about trips to the United States by figures linked to the Cuban government, in the context of the tightening of immigration policies driven by the current Republican administration.

Context: an increasingly restrictive policy

The revocation occurs amidst a series of measures taken by the Trump administration that tighten visa review processes and immigration control.

In July 2025, the State Department ordered embassies to examine the social media of student visa applicants for potential "signs of hostility" toward the Government or its institutions.

At the same time, the Capture and Revoke program uses artificial intelligence to analyze online posts by individuals with valid visas and detect expressions of support for groups considered terrorist.

According to elTOQUE, that policy has already been used to revoke at least six foreign visas due to comments made on social media.

These decisions add to the migration ban imposed since June 9, 2025, which suspended the issuance of tourist, study, exchange, and business visas for Cuban citizens without dual citizenship.

These measures have fractured family reunification processes, impacted thousands of Cubans in legal procedures, and heightened uncertainty among those waiting to travel to the United States.

A message with depth

Although there is no public evidence regarding the identity of the Cuban who had their visa revoked, the case symbolizes the climate of distrust and increasing scrutiny that applicants and beneficiaries of visas face in the Trump era.

The U.S. immigration policy, which has historically served as a safety valve for Cubans, is now becoming a more uncertain ground, where a post, a link, or a suspicion can slam the door on the American dream.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Revocation of U.S. Visas for Cuban Citizens