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The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced on Wednesday a new visa restriction policy aimed at foreign officials and citizens who collaborate in censorship against Americans.
“For far too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even accused by foreign authorities for exercising their right to freedom of expression,” Rubio noted via his account on X.
In that context, he explained that a new visa restriction policy would come into effect, which would apply to officials and foreign individuals "who are complicit in the censorship of Americans."
Rubio, of Cuban-American origin, also emphasized that the United States will not allow those who undermine the rights of its citizens to enjoy immigration benefits.
“Foreigners who work to undermine the rights of Americans should not have the privilege of traveling to our country,” he stated.
The high-ranking U.S. official -who turns 54 years old on May 28- also warned that the measure will have a global reach: “Whether in Latin America, Europe, or anywhere else, the days of passive treatment for those who undermine the rights of Americans are over.”
As of the closing of this notice, there is no additional information regarding the announcement.
Regarding Cuba, Rubio's statement coincides with an escalation of the media attacks by the regime against Mike Hammer, head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana.
Hammer has recently shown evidence of an open and direct diplomatic strategy, engaging with ordinary citizens, which has left Díaz-Canel's government very displeased.
En la más reciente emisión del programa oficialista With Edge, su presentador, Michel Torres Corona, dedicó un largo segmento a descalificar la labor de Hammer, tildándola de cínica y acusando al diplomático de ser un emisario de “la política de asfixia” de Washington.
Hammer has recently traveled extensively across various parts of the country, meeting not only with institutional actors but also with opposition members, activists, and ordinary citizens, in an effort to promote inclusive dialogue with Cuban civil society.
At a press conference held last Thursday in Miami, Mike Hammer himself announced that new sanctions against officials of the Cuban regime were on the way.
The diplomat's statements followed the recent imposition of sanctions against four Cuban judicial officials for their direct involvement in the arbitrary detention and sentencing of activist Luis Robles Elizástigui, who was imprisoned in 2020 after peacefully protesting with a sign that called for "Freedom" and "No more repression."
Hammer warned that those sanctions were not the end, but the beginning of others to come.
"This Administration is determined to punish the repressors. There will be consequences for their actions. I cannot anticipate further measures that will come, but they will come, I can assure you of that," he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New U.S. Visa Restriction Policy
What is the new visa restriction policy announced by Marco Rubio?
The new visa restriction policy, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targets officials and foreign citizens who collaborate in censorship against Americans. This policy aims to limit access to immigration benefits for those who undermine the rights of U.S. citizens. The measure has a global reach and will apply to individuals from anywhere in the world who participate in the censorship of Americans.
How does this policy affect Cuba and its officials?
The visa restriction policy directly affects Cuban officials, especially those involved in the island's labor export program, such as international medical missions. The United States has expanded visa restrictions to include Cuban officials and their families, accusing them of engaging in abusive and coercive labor practices. This is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to intensify sanctions against the Cuban regime and suppress forced labor.
What motivated the United States to implement this visa policy?
The implementation of this visa policy responds to the need to protect the freedom of expression of Americans and ensure that their rights are not undermined by foreign entities. Marco Rubio stated that for too long, Americans have faced fines and harassment from foreign authorities for exercising their right to freedom of expression. Additionally, the policy aims to hold accountable those involved in forced labor practices, such as with the Cuban medical missions.
What implications could this policy have on the relations between the United States and Cuba?
The visa restriction policy could further exacerbate tensions between the United States and Cuba. Since Donald Trump took office, relations have already been impacted by Cuba's re-inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism and the tightening of economic sanctions. The visa restriction measure adds to these efforts to pressure the Cuban regime, which could lead to a further deterioration of bilateral relations.
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