The U.S. government confirmed on Wednesday that it has refused visas to several officials from Cuba's Ministry of Public Health (Minsap) who intended to attend a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) meeting in Washington, citing "national security" concerns as the reason. A spokesperson from the State Department told EFE in a written statement that "travel restrictions imposed on representatives of the Cuban dictatorship safeguard the national security interests of the United States."
However, they clarified that these restrictions did not impact the Cuban regime's representatives currently stationed at their embassy in the United States; these individuals were able to attend the PAHO event. The Cuban government made the accusation on Tuesday, claiming that Washington had denied the visa applications submitted in Havana by a group of Minsap officials, as well as the required travel permits for other delegation members who were already in New York following participation in the United Nations General Assembly.
Responses from Cuban Officials
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez shared comments from Minsap's First Deputy Minister, Tania Margarita Cruz, who accused the U.S. of leveraging the need for a travel permit to block her participation in the regional meeting "as head of the Cuban delegation." "The participation of other delegation members who did not receive their visas in Havana was also hindered," Cruz stated from New York.
In her remarks, Cruz highlighted that "thousands of Cuban doctors and professionals have provided and continue to provide medical care in most countries in the region" and emphasized that "Cuba has trained thousands of doctors, graduates, and health technicians from Latin American and Caribbean nations, as well as from the United States."
U.S. Stance on Cuban Medical Missions
The current U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, considers Cuba's medical missions to be "a clear case of forced labor" and maintains the country on its list of nations failing to meet minimum standards in combating human trafficking. Additionally, Washington has imposed visa restrictions on officials involved in the labor exploitation of Cuban workers abroad, a classification that includes those who organize or oversee these medical missions.
Visa Denial and Its Implications
What reasons did the U.S. give for denying visas to Cuban officials?
The U.S. cited "national security" concerns as the reason for denying visas to the Cuban officials intending to attend the PAHO meeting in Washington.
Were any Cuban officials allowed to attend the PAHO meeting?
Yes, the restrictions did not affect Cuban representatives working at their embassy in the United States, who were permitted to attend the PAHO event.
How does the U.S. view Cuba's medical missions?
The U.S. administration views Cuba's medical missions as a form of forced labor and has placed Cuba on a list of countries not meeting minimum standards for combating human trafficking.