The United States freezes family reunification for Cubans after a new presidential order: Thousands of Cubans will not be able to reunite with their loved ones.

A new presidential proclamation has put thousands of family procedures initiated in Cuba on hold. Hopes of reuniting in the United States are fading for those who have not yet obtained citizenship.

Direct impact on permanent residents

Cuban mother Lianet Llanes sums it up: "It's like pouring a bucket of cold water on yourself, really dirty." She had hoped to be reunited with her 10-year-old daughter, whose case was approved on May 23. Only the consular interview remained. But the new proclamation signed by Donald Trump truncated the process.

From this luneAs of June 9, family reunification applications filed by legal residents in the United States are suspended. The order is part of a new "travel ban" affecting 19 countries, including Cuba. In Cuba's case, although the measure is not comprehensive, its effect is devastating: no new visas will be issued in several categories, and key family petitions are frozen.

Who is left out… and who can still travel

The restriction covers B1 (business), B2 (tourism), F (study), M (technical training), and J (cultural exchange) visas. However, it also affects those who were applying under family categories that do not qualify as "immediate family." That is:

• Unmarried children over 21 years of age

• Married children

• Siblings of American citizens

Only parents, spouses, and minor children of citizens remain eligible for processing. Permanent residents who already have a green card are also protected.

The State Department clarified that visas issued before June 9 remain valid. However, each entry into the country is subject to the decision of the Department of Homeland Security. Even with a visa, there is no guarantee of entry.

Reunification postponed again

“Since we told her she was coming, my daughter stopped playing. She was learning English, dreaming about school. Now she's quiet, as if something had broken,” says Llanes.

This mother's story is repeated among thousands of Cuban families trapped in limbo. The procedures have been long, expensive, and emotionally exhausting. Now, they must start over... or wait for a reform that may not come soon.

More obstacles for political reasons

According to legal experts consulted by media outlets such as Univision, although some visas remain technically valid, applicants could face further denials. Consular authorities could question any prior ties to the Cuban government, even without concrete evidence.

The measure, according to the Trump administration, is a response to Cuba's lack of cooperation in deportations and its continued presence on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. But for the separated families, the real effect is different: more pain, more waiting.

Fear in consulates and ports of entry

The proclamation gives officials greater discretion at points of entry. This could mean that, even with all the paperwork in order, an officer could deny entry if there is any indication of inadmissibility.

Experts recommend to Cubans in the process:

• Check the validity of your visas

• Avoid being out of legal status

• Ask for legal advice if you have open proceedings

• Request extensions if you are already in the United States

Furthermore, they warn that consulates could apply the new regulations with more restrictive criteria, which would generate further delays in family cases.

Citizenship as the only way out

"I'll become a citizen in two years," Llanes told Telemundo. But in the meantime, her daughter must wait. Reunification has become a privilege enjoyed only by those who have already completed the legal process.

The White House's decision not only freezes paperwork. It also freezes the hugs that never came, the childhoods broken, the plans that never materialized.

For many Cubans, the dream of reuniting in the United States no longer depends on an approved application, but rather on a race against time to obtain citizenship and defeat the next wall.