The Embassy of the United States in Havana has tightened its criteria for granting visas under the family reunification program, amid increasing immigration restrictions.
This was confirmed by Mike Hammer, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy, during a press conference held this Friday in Miami.
Two of the questions raised during the meeting revolved around the urgency of revitalizing the family reunification program, a legal pathway that for years has allowed thousands of Cubans to reunite with their loved ones in the United States.
In response, Hammer stated: "Family reunification is a sensitive issue, and the Trump administration's policy on illegal immigrants in the country is already known, but we continue, as an Embassy, to fulfill our mission regarding bringing families together through a legal process."
However, that mission faces concrete obstacles. The diplomat confirmed that U.S. immigration laws are being enforced more rigorously, preventing visas from being granted to individuals with recent ties to the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).
"Yes, we are reinforcing U.S. laws that prevent visas from being granted to members of the Communist Party of Cuba who have held high positions or who have been activists until recent years."
There are Cubans who claim that their family reunification visas have recently been denied due to having work connections with state institutions on the island.
"The consular team makes the best decision based on the information they have, because what we want to avoid is having the repressors out on the streets of South Beach, enjoying a mojito. That cannot happen, it isn't fair," emphasized Hammer.
This position has raised concerns among Cubans who have met all the requirements of the legal process but see their applications denied. Such was the case of Liadys Madrazo's father, whose visa was denied despite not having been a member of the PCC, solely because of his work history in a state-owned enterprise.
Hammer also emphasized that "it is important to acknowledge the pain of the Cuban people when there is a repressor enjoying a good life in the United States. We need to strengthen our laws and when there is a specific case, it can be reviewed to ensure whether the decision is correct or not."
Although no official figures have been released, immigration lawyers in Miami assert that dozens of families have been affected by these measures, which they interpret as a pattern of exclusion based more on employment criteria than political ones.
Meanwhile, those affected are caught between uncertainty and hope, facing not only a bureaucratic process but also an emotional battle due to the distance from their loved ones.
The signifies a shift in the implementation of the family reunification program, hinting that even by following all legal steps, many Cubans could find themselves trapped in a paradox: having complied with the law yet still facing rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visa Tightening and Family Reunification in Cuba
Why is the U.S. Embassy in Cuba tightening visa controls?
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba is tightening visa controls to prevent individuals with recent ties to the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) from obtaining family reunification visas. This is due to an increase in immigration restrictions and the need to enforce U.S. immigration laws more rigorously.
What criteria are used to deny family reunification visas to Cubans?
Family reunification visas may be denied to Cubans with employment ties to state institutions on the island, even if they are not members of the Communist Party. This is interpreted as an exclusion based on employment criteria rather than political ones, which has raised concerns among applicants.
What options do Cubans have whose family reunification visas have been denied?
Cubans affected can submit Form I-601, a request for a waiver of inadmissibility, although this may involve an ethical and legal dilemma. They can also provide evidence supporting their professional and civic life to demonstrate that being a state employee in Cuba does not equate to being an active part of the political regime.
How is the tightening of visa policies affecting Cuban families?
The tightening of visas is causing frustration and hopelessness among Cuban families seeking to reunite in the U.S. Many families, despite meeting legal requirements, find their applications denied, leaving them in an emotional and bureaucratic limbo.
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