Willy Allen, a Florida-based immigration attorney, argued on Monday that "Cuba brought the travel ban upon itself." This statement refers to the U.S. Presidential Proclamation issued in early June 2025, which restricts non-immigrant visa entry for Cuban nationals into the United States.
In an interview with CiberCuba, Allen clarified that while he disagrees with many decisions made by the Trump Administration, he would never equate it with the Cuban regime. "It's clear I don't support this administration (under Donald Trump) in many ways, but I don't support the Cuban government in any way. To some extent, the actions of the Cuban government have provoked the reactions in the United States," he expressed during his weekly program, aired every Monday at 11:00 AM on the platform.
According to Allen, the Cuban government could exert more effort to ensure that its citizens do not continue living in extreme deprivation. "The travel ban is a consequence of a government that neglects its people and shows no concern for their well-being," he emphasized.
"I can't tell you that I'm entirely against what the U.S. government is doing with the Cuban government. Cuba has brought this upon itself," Allen concluded after reading a viewer's comment on CiberCuba, which suggested a xenophobic undertone in some of the Trump Administration's decisions. Allen responded firmly, "Stephen Miller is the devil," referring to the Deputy Director of the White House Policy Office, known for crafting many of the administration's immigration policies.
On June 9, the Presidential Proclamation signed by Donald Trump went into effect, imposing immigration restrictions on citizens from 19 countries, including Cuba. This measure restricts or blocks entry for foreign nationals from certain countries, a policy that gained notoriety during Trump's first term with similar restrictions.
For Cubans, the travel ban impacts applications for B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), B-1/B-2 (tourism/business), F (academic studies), M (vocational studies), and J (student or professional exchange) visas. Following its implementation, Allen warned that "any Cuban applying for a non-immigrant visa today will be denied."
Understanding the U.S. Travel Ban on Cuba
What prompted the U.S. travel ban on Cuba?
The travel ban was a response to the actions of the Cuban government, which the U.S. believes neglects its citizens and provokes international reactions. The ban is part of a wider range of restrictions affecting countries deemed to have inadequate cooperation with the U.S.
How does the travel ban affect Cuban visa applicants?
The travel ban affects Cuban nationals applying for non-immigrant visas, including B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas. Applicants are likely to face denials under the current restrictions.