Marco Rubio Introduces New Visa Restriction Policy in the U.S.

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled a stringent new visa restriction policy that could potentially impact thousands. This policy targets not only individuals sanctioned for drug trafficking but also extends to their families, personal partners, and close business associates. "We will employ every necessary tool to deter and dismantle the flow of fentanyl and other lethal drugs entering our country," Rubio stated on his official X account, referring to the intention to enforce Executive Order 14059 more rigorously, which addresses the opioid crisis emergency in the United States.

This announcement signals a tightening of U.S. immigration policy, aiming to block entry for those who, although not directly involved in criminal activities, might be linked personally or economically to individuals on sanction lists. The measure is grounded in Executive Order 14059, signed by former President Joe Biden in December 2021. This order empowers the Treasury Department to:

• Freeze U.S. assets of foreign individuals or entities tied directly or indirectly to drug trafficking.
• Prohibit transactions with these individuals.
• Impose penalties on those involved in producing, financing, or distributing illegal substances like fentanyl.

Rubio, a prominent figure in Latin American policy and the son of Cuban immigrants, did not specify nationalities. However, these restrictions could significantly affect individuals from countries with noted criminal networks, such as Mexico, China, and others. Cuban nationals may also be impacted if they maintain connections with sanctioned individuals.

Who Might Be Targeted?

Potential targets include members of international cartels or criminal organizations, producers or distributors of chemicals used in drug manufacturing, and individuals or businesses facilitating financial operations for drug trafficking. Even relatives and close associates of these individuals could be affected, despite not being directly involved.

The policy leverages the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a legal tool for addressing threats to national security. Rubio's announcement adds to a series of recent immigration measures that have made it more challenging for Cuban citizens to access U.S. soil. For instance, in May, visa restrictions were imposed on foreign officials and citizens collaborating with censorship against Americans.

"Foreigners working to undermine American rights should not have the privilege of traveling to our country," the Secretary of State asserted at the time. Just a week later, President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation partially restricting entry from seven countries, including Cuba, citing "national security risks."

The proclamation highlighted Cuba's status as a state sponsor of terrorism, its inadequate cooperation on U.S. immigration matters, and high visa overstay rates. Consequently, the entry of Cuban nationals under visa categories B-1, B-2, F, M, and J was suspended, and the validity of other visas was curtailed where legally permissible.