A Cuban-American woman has voiced her frustration after her mother's family reunification visa was denied during an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Havana. Her mother, a former elementary school teacher with over 50 years of service in Cuba, was refused despite having no connection to the Communist Party.
In an interview with journalist Javier Díaz, the woman expressed her disappointment, particularly as a supporter of former President Donald Trump: “I'm an American citizen of this great country. I was among the many who voted for President Donald Trump, placing my full trust in him.”
She explained that in 2024, she initiated the process to bring her mother to the U.S. Her mother had taught first through fourth grade in Cuban primary schools: “My mom was simply an elementary school teacher, teaching children how to read and write. She never taught at military schools, high schools, or universities.”
During the interview on November 19, her mother was asked only a few questions before being denied the visa: “They asked who was sponsoring her, how long she’d been retired, and if she belonged to any government organization or the Party. She answered no to everything. Right then, they told her no.”
The daughter, who has lived in the United States for nearly eight years, emphasized her adherence to the legal process: “I've been stable, married for fifteen years, living an organized life. I’ve followed every legal requirement.”
The visa process has cost her more than two thousand dollars, and the appeal process is even more expensive: “I paid over a thousand dollars when I made the claim, and now they say if I want to appeal, I need a waiver that costs between three to three and a half thousand dollars with a lawyer. Why, when my mom wasn’t part of the Party and did nothing wrong?”
She also expressed her frustration over perceived inequality: “There are people who worked with Fidel Castro, who were part of the Party, and they are allowed to enter. Why can't my mom, who only taught people to read, come here?”
The woman insisted that her case is not unique: “It’s really sad because it happened to my mom, but also to many others: doctors, dentists, homemakers… They’re being denied as well. I speak for myself and hundreds of people going through the same thing. I’m not losing a cousin or an uncle; I’m losing my mother.”
This testimony arises amid significant changes in U.S. immigration policy. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced the termination of the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program, which since 2007 allowed thousands to enter the U.S. early while waiting for their visas.
According to attorney Willy Allen speaking to CiberCuba, this change impacts Cubans with family petitions made by permanent residents—such as spouses, children, and siblings—but does not affect U.S. citizens' applications for their parents, spouses, or minor children, which continue as usual.
“What’s disappearing is the fast-track process that allowed people to skip years of waiting and enter with parole while their application was processed,” Allen explained, noting that applicants must now endure the standard waiting period of the consular system.
Understanding U.S. Visa Denials for Cuban Families
Why was the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program terminated?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security ended the program to align with broader changes in immigration policy, eliminating the fast-track entry for Cubans with family petitions.
How does the visa denial process affect Cuban-Americans?
Visa denials can severely impact Cuban-Americans by prolonging family separation, increasing legal costs, and creating emotional distress due to the extended wait times for reunification.
What steps can be taken if a visa is denied?
Applicants may appeal the decision, which involves submitting a waiver request and possibly hiring a lawyer. However, this process can be costly and time-consuming.