The Trump administration considers barring Cuban nationals from entering the U.S. in a potential expansion of travel restrictions, leaving thousands of families uncertain about their future.
Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration is weighing adding Cuba to a “red list” for total travel ban, citing weak security apparatus for background checks.
- The initiative follows a January 30 executive order directing identification of countries with deficient vetting processes.
- The U.S. Embassy in Havana has not issued non-immigrant visas since 2017.
- Haiti may face less severe restrictions despite also being considered for the expanded ban.
- Universities and organizations have warned individuals from potentially targeted countries to return to the U.S. quickly.
Expanded Travel Ban Considerations
The Trump administration is considering significant changes to U.S. immigration policy by potentially adding Cuba and Haiti to a list of countries facing travel restrictions. Cuba might be placed on a “red list” which would implement a total travel ban, while Haiti could face less severe restrictions. This initiative is part of an expanded travel ban similar to the one previously targeting Muslim-majority countries, which included nations like North Korea and Venezuela but not Cuba.
The rationale behind this potential expansion stems from concerns about these countries’ supposed inability to perform adequate background checks on their citizens. The State Department has been reviewing visa programs in accordance with Executive Order 14161, which directs the identification of countries with deficient vetting and screening processes. This order, signed on January 30, aims to ensure that foreign travelers do not pose threats to national security.
President Trump has proposed a travel ban, similar to the one in his first term. The ban could block entry from a "red list" of countries, including:
🇸🇩 Sudan
🇻🇪 Venezuela
🇸🇴 Somalia
🇸🇾 Syria
🇾🇪 Yemen
🇮🇷 Iran
🇱🇾 Libya
🇨🇺 Cuba
🇰🇵 North Korea
🇵🇰 Pakistan (expected)
🇦🇫 Afghanistan…— InsideIsraelIntel (@inside_IL_intel) March 12, 2025
Impact on Cuban Relations and Nationals
Relations between the United States and Cuba have been particularly strained since the Trump administration reinstated Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism and imposed sanctions on Cuban military companies. The U.S. Embassy in Havana has not issued non-immigrant visas since 2017, creating significant barriers for Cubans seeking to travel to the United States. Although the Biden administration resumed a family reunification program for Cubans, this potential travel ban could reverse those efforts.
The American Association of University Professors and other organizations have issued warnings to their members who are nationals of potentially targeted countries, advising them to return to the United States promptly. This urgency reflects genuine concerns that individuals currently outside the country might be barred from reentry if the travel ban is implemented. The expanded restrictions could also affect nationals from Afghanistan and Pakistan, further widening the scope of the administration’s immigration policies.
Haiti’s Complicated Position
Haiti faces a different set of circumstances in the potential travel ban. Haitian nationals already face tightened scrutiny and high U.S. visa refusal rates. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has significantly limited visa processing due to the past pandemic and widespread gang violence that has destabilized the country. This complicated situation creates unique challenges for the Trump administration’s potential inclusion of Haiti in the travel ban.
Complicating matters further, the United States is currently involved in operations against gangs in Haiti, which creates additional considerations when determining whether to add Haiti to the travel ban list. Thousands of U.S. citizens remain in Haiti providing humanitarian aid amidst increasing gang control and frozen foreign aid, creating a delicate balance between security concerns and ongoing U.S. interests in the region. These complex factors will likely influence the final determination regarding Haiti’s inclusion in any expanded travel restrictions.
Sources:
Trump administration weighs barring Cubans, Haitians from U.S. as part of new travel ban
