Message from the U.S. Embassy in Cuba on visas

The diplomatic mission accredited in Havana published a message just a few minutes ago regarding the issuance of visas for travel to the United States.

Although the post was published very recently, it has already sparked multiple reactions on social media. The text, published on the Embassy's official Facebook page, issues a clear warning about the responsible use of visas, at a time when many expect a review of visa policies. This is in line with Donald Trump's immigration projections.

In fact, the statement states that obtaining a visa to enter the United States is not a guaranteed right, but rather a privilege that can be revoked at any time.

A statement that points to the applicant's behavior

The embassy reminds those who receive visas that they must respect the country's laws and act in accordance with its democratic values. "Having a visa to enter the United States is not a right, but a privilege. It can be revoked if the law is violated or the country's democratic values ​​are violated," states the publication, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Although no changes to procedures are currently mentioned, the message coincides with a stricter background check phase, especially in cases where links to political, ideological, or criminal activities that violate U.S. law are identified.

To give you an idea, within the United States, government authorities have recently announced that they will review the social media activity of immigrants. Therefore, it is also expected that applications for those applying for a US visa will be subject to stricter scrutiny.

Criticisms of the process and criteria applied

Among the comments visible on the post, several users expressed concern.cuption over the way in which visa applicants are decided. Some believe that questionable cases have been approved, while people with legitimate intentions are still waiting.

"There's something that doesn't add up. Today in the US, there are a large number of Cubans here who called the US the evil empire, and here, like me, many of us who sympathize with the American values ​​of freedom and democracy remain. We haven't wanted to break the laws or enter illegally, and we have no options," argued one user.

Delays in family processes were also reported, such as the category F2A, which has shown no progress in months.

"Streamline the processes for people who want to immigrate legally. The F2A category hasn't made any progress for months, and it's an immediate category. They have to wait more than three years to reunite with their families," one user requested.

Other comments point to many applicants with no background or party ties being rejected, while those with political connections have been approved.

A review of the cases of those who have been in administrative proceedings for years without resolution was also requested. The lack of opportunities for those seeking to emigrate legally and in an orderly manner was questioned.

Part of the debate revolved around the values ​​the United States expects those entering Cuba to uphold, and whether these values ​​are applied equally rigorously in all cases. There were also calls to limit access to those who support or finance structures linked to political power in Cuba.

Some responses highlighted the inconsistency of certain criteria. Others emphasized the need to accelerate the reunification of families separated for years.

Visas to the United States are a privilege, not a right, reserved for those who make America better, not those who seek to destroy it from within. — Secretary Rubio pic.twitter.com/ucFs7rYULX

- USA in Spanish (@USAenEspanol) April 15, 2025