U.S. Denies Family Reunification Visa to Cuban Mother Due to Alleged Communist Ties: "Never Been a Party Member"

The tightening of consular scrutiny by the U.S. Embassy in Havana is leaving numerous Cuban families in a frustrating situation: meeting all the requirements for the family reunification program, yet still being denied visas due to alleged ideological connections. Andy Leal, a young Cuban residing in the United States, has been waiting over two years to bring his mother, Mayra Jiménez García, from Havana.

Despite completing all the legal procedures, paying fees, and attending interviews, Mayra received a firm rejection instead of the long-awaited family reunification visa. In an interview with journalist Eduardo "Yusnaby" Rodríguez from Telemundo 51, the Cuban mother revealed she was accused of having ties with the Cuban Communist Party (PCC), even though she never participated in any political activities. “This breaks my heart. I’ve never been a communist. I’m just a mother wanting to be with her son,” Mayra expressed from Havana.

Mayra holds Spanish citizenship and lives in Havana. The PCC’s statutes prohibit members from holding dual citizenship, yet the U.S. Embassy suspects Andy's mother and refuses to issue her a visa. The official notice cited a U.S. immigration law that bars issuing visas to individuals who are or have been members of totalitarian parties. However, no evidence or means to appeal the decision were provided.

Increasing Visa Denials for Cuban Families

Cases like Andy’s are becoming more frequent. In Miami, immigration attorneys and human rights groups report that dozens of applications are being denied on similar grounds, even when applicants have no proven political roles or ideological affiliations. Merely having worked for a state-owned enterprise can be enough.

U.S. Embassy's Stance on Family Reunification

During a press conference in Miami, Mike Hammer, head of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, confirmed the stricter consular criteria. “We are reinforcing U.S. laws that prevent issuing visas to members of the Cuban Communist Party who have held high positions or were active members until recent years,” he clarified.

Hammer further justified the stance: “We don’t want to see oppressors strolling down South Beach, sipping mojitos. That can't happen; it’s not fair.” Despite this firm position, he acknowledged potential errors in the system: "The consular team makes the best decision with the information they have. We need to reinforce our laws, and when there is a specific case, it can be reviewed to ensure the decision is correct."

This slim chance of review keeps Andy hopeful. He has sent letters to the embassy, sought legal assistance, and reached out to congress members. His last resort has been to share his story with independent media, seeking justice and visibility.

From Miami, Cuban families are calling for case-by-case reviews, greater transparency in the processes, and the right to defend themselves against baseless accusations. For many, family reunification is no longer a guaranteed legal right but has become a gamble marred by suspicion and arbitrariness.