The news is a severe blow to thousands of Cubans who were hoping to reunite through family reunification, study, or participate in cultural exchanges.
From this luneOn June 9, the United States government will stop issuing nonimmigrant visas for Cuban citizens. And while some with valid visas will be able to enter, not all will be admitted.
End of visas for tourism, study, or family visits
The U.S. Embassy in Havana announced that, upon the presidential proclamation's entry into force, the issuance of B1/B2 visas (tourism and business) will be suspended, as well as categories F, M, and J, which include academic studies, vocational training, and exchange programs.
This measure directly affects Cubans who had travel plans to visit relatives, attend conferences, or enroll in U.S. educational institutions.
The decision comes as Cuba has once again been included on the list of countries that "do not fully cooperate" with U.S. efforts in security and counterterrorism, according to the State Department.
Those who have a valid visa could enter, but it is not certain.
The closure of visa issuance does not automatically imply the cancellation of visas already issued. Those who have a visa valid before June 9 may attempt to travel.
However, entry into the United States is not guaranteed. Immigration authorities will evaluate each case on a case-by-case basis and have the authority to deny entry if they believe the person falls within the restrictions established by the presidential proclamation.
Only a few categories are exempt
The suspension will not affect those who are already lawful permanent residents of the United States, nor those who hold immigrant visas issued in the IR-1, CR-1, IR-2, or CR-2 categories, intended for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
Also exempt from this restriction are refugees, asylum seekers, beneficiaries of humanitarian parole, diplomats, representatives of international organizations and their close relatives, as well as certain participants in sporting events or other authorized specific missions.
B1 and B2 visas already issued will remain technically valid, But do not guarantee entry into the United States. This means that:
- They will not be automatically cancelled.
- The holder may present himself at the airport and board a flight, if the airline allows it.
- Upon arrival on US soil, the immigration officer will decide whether or not to admit the traveler.
- The decision will be case by case, and if the official considers that the person is within the group restricted by the presidential proclamation, may deny entry, even with a visa.
Therefore, Cubans with a B1/B2 visa issued before June 9 2025 They may attempt to travel, but they assume the risk of being rejected at the border without the right to appeal or refund of tickets.
A measure that could be prolonged
The proclamation signed by President Donald Trump does not establish a specific duration for these restrictions.
The text indicates that the measures will remain in effect until the Cuban government effectively cooperates in verifying the identity of its citizens and accepts their repatriation in the event of deportation.
This tightening of immigration policies coincides with other recent decisions by the U.S. government. These restrict access to immigration programs for citizens of countries considered "uncooperative," such as Venezuela, Iran, and Syria.
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4 comments
The US government is always the same. There are no greater terrorists than themselves. One day, the weight of such arrogance will fall on them.
That's a low blow from this man who is only really interested in the desperation of Cubans, who want to be with their families and share with them, who has some undertaking to improve their lives, and to further annoy and crush the Cuban people.
What a son of a bitch this broom head is, and it doesn't affect me but he's an asshole.
The article did not include IR5, which is an immediate category. It would be nice to be more explicit. Thank you.