Roger O'Connor, a Cuban living in Singapore, faces a heart-wrenching struggle due to the harsh immigration restrictions recently imposed by the United States government. These regulations are preventing him from being with his family during one of the most painful times of his life—the passing of his mother.
In an interview with WVLT-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee, O'Connor shared that his mother tragically died last week in a car accident while celebrating her birthday with her husband in Pigeon Forge. Since then, his primary concern has been securing travel to the U.S. to support his father and attend the funeral scheduled for August 24 in Chattanooga.
"It's been incredibly hard for my father. I feel like I'm trying to be the rational one here, but he's overwhelmed with grief and emotion. My biggest hope is to be there with him," O'Connor expressed to WVLT-TV.
The Impact of Immigration Restrictions
Roger is up against the bureaucratic hurdles created by a presidential proclamation signed by Donald Trump in June 2025. This proclamation limits entry into the United States for citizens from seven countries, including Cuba, citing "national security risks."
The executive order halted the issuance of new visas for Cubans in the most common categories: B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), B-1/B-2 (mixed), F (students), M (vocational), and J (cultural exchange). Although there are exceptions, the order does not specifically address humanitarian cases, complicating urgent travel needs like Roger's.
O'Connor has already experienced the pain of saying goodbye to his mother remotely, through a family video call. "It was an incredibly tough moment. We prayed and cried together as a family," he recounted.
The Struggle for a Family Reunion
Roger has a meeting scheduled with the U.S. embassy this Wednesday. He is acutely aware of the time constraints but remains determined to support his father, even if he misses the funeral. "I told [my dad]: if I can't make it, why not take some time off work and come stay with me? Maybe a month or two so we can be together. But right now, I think it's crucial that I go," he explained.
A Broader Cuban Struggle
O'Connor's ordeal is not unique. Since the new immigration proclamation was announced, countless Cubans have seen their plans for travel, study, or family reunification shattered.
The White House justified the measure by accusing the Cuban government of being a "state sponsor of terrorism" and refusing to cooperate on deportations and security issues. However, for ordinary Cubans, this policy is another blow to the already delicate ties with their families in the U.S.
For Roger, this means the very real possibility of not being able to say goodbye to his mother or support his father in their time of mourning. His story echoes the experiences of many Cubans who face insurmountable barriers due to political policies, making it difficult to share in the grieving process for lost loved ones.
Understanding U.S. Visa Restrictions for Cubans
What are the current U.S. visa restrictions for Cubans?
The U.S. has suspended issuing new visas for Cubans in several categories, including B-1, B-2, F, M, and J, due to national security concerns. Exceptions are limited and do not specifically address humanitarian needs.
How has the visa ban affected Cuban families?
The visa ban has disrupted travel plans, educational opportunities, and family reunifications for many Cubans, leading to emotional and logistical challenges for families separated across borders.
Is there a way for Cubans to obtain humanitarian visas?
While there are some exceptions to the visa restrictions, the current policy does not provide a clear pathway for humanitarian cases, which complicates urgent travel for family emergencies.