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2.0

DOS expands existing visa restriction policy for individuals linked to Cuban labor export program to apply to Cuban overseas medical missions

  1. Original Date Announced

    February 25, 2025

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the expansion, pursuant to INA § 212(a)(3)(C), of a visa-restriction policy that targets forced labor linked to the Cuban labor export program. The restriction aims to counter, inter alia, Cuba's overseas medical missions.

    The expanded policy applies to current or former Cuban government officials, and other individuals, including foreign government officials, who are believed to be responsible for or involved in the Cuban labor export program. The policy also applies to the immediate family of such persons. The announcement states that DOS has already taken steps to impose visa restrictions on several individuals, including Venezuelan nationals, under this expanded policy.

    Trump 2.0 [ID # 1573]

    2025.02.25 Expansion of Visa Restrictions for Individuals Linked to Cuban Labor Export Program
  2. Effective Date

    February 25, 2025
  3. Subsequent Trump and Court Action(s)

    • April 14, 2025

      2025.04.14 Four foreign government officials have had their visas revoked for participation in Cuban medical program - The New York Times

      The New York Times reports the DOS has confirmed that "four government officials, two from Venezuela and two from Cuba, have lost their travel visas to the United States over the new medical brigade policy."

      View Document

Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive
Agencies Affected: DOS

Commentary

  • 2025.05.05: Leaked contract shows how Cuba pockets money Bahamas pays for medical services - Miami Herald

    The Miami Herald reported a leaked 2023 contract revealing that the Bahamian government paid Cuba over $22,000 each month for the services of four Cuban healthcare workers. The workers themselves, however, received only a small fraction of that amount and between 84% and 92% was retained by a Cuban government-run company that acted as an intermediary. DOS criticism of these kinds of arrangements is the basis for the visa-restriction policy highlighted in this entry.

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