Impact of Trump's Travel Restrictions on Cuban Family Reunification

The recent executive order by President Donald Trump, limiting the travel of Cuban citizens to the United States, has reignited despair among thousands of families longing to reunite with their loved ones. Those most impacted include Cubans undergoing family reunification processes, particularly those whose cases have been initiated by legal permanent residents in the U.S., who now find themselves virtually shut out by this new directive.

Announced on June 4th and set to take effect on June 9, 2025, the measure halts the issuance of immigrant visas to Cuban and Venezuelan nationals, with only a few exceptions. According to immigration attorney Armando Olmedo, who spoke with Univision, this implies that "any individual seeking an immigrant visa will not receive one if they are a citizen or national of Cuba."

Understanding the New Restrictions

The presidential proclamation halts the issuance of new visas to Cuban nationals in the B1 (business), B2 (tourism), F (students), M (technical studies), and J (cultural exchange) categories. The justification for this measure cites national security concerns and Cuba's lack of cooperation in consular matters and deportations.

Additionally, Cuba has been sanctioned as a "State Sponsor of Terrorism" and is noted for high rates of illegal stay in the U.S., particularly with tourist visas (7.69%) and student or exchange visas (up to 18.75%).

The Human Impact: A Mother's Story and Expert Insight

A real-life example of this situation is Milena Gómez, a Cuban resident in the U.S. whose husband began the process to bring their four-year-old daughter from Cuba. "My husband filed a claim for our daughter a year and a half ago, and we were expecting her to be with us next year, but now everything has changed. We don't know what will happen," Milena shared with Noticias 23.

Immigration attorney Willy Allen, in conversation with journalist Daniel Benítez, explained that while family claims by permanent residents have not been formally canceled, they remain in a legal gray area that could lead to indefinite delays. These claims do not fall under the explicit exceptions that benefit immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (IR1, IR2, IR5), leaving thousands in limbo.

Allen warns that while administrative processes may continue, "the consular interview and visa issuance process will become much more difficult and slower," especially since cases have already been denied based on previous employment ties to the Cuban government or political affiliations, even without clear evidence.

Impact on U.S.-Cuba Visa Agreement

Trump's proclamation also jeopardizes the historic agreement between the U.S. and Cuba to issue at least 20,000 visas annually to Cubans. With these new restrictions, that target becomes even more unattainable, creating uncertainty for those who have been waiting for years for an answer.

Attorney Olmedo cautions that the practical implementation of this policy remains to be seen, as various agencies, such as the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, must coordinate its execution.

Echoing these concerns, attorney Allen remains hopeful that "family claims can still be made," but acknowledges the need for an official interpretation from the State Department. Meanwhile, consulates, like the one in Havana, might interpret the rule more strictly, delaying or denying interviews, particularly for the relatives of permanent residents.

Official Stance and Humanitarian Concerns

However, Natalia Molano, spokeswoman for the State Department in South Florida, confirmed to Martí Noticias that the proclamation will be implemented "to the letter" and cautioned that entry to the United States is "never 100% guaranteed," even with a valid visa. Regarding humanitarian cases, she clarified that the proclamation does not include any explicit exceptions.

It was also confirmed that permanent residents with a Cuban passport can return to the U.S., though they may face more rigorous questioning by border agents.