U.S. suspends visas for Cubans and Venezuelans: find out about the new restrictions.

The United States government has issued a new presidential proclamation that suspends the issuance of tourist, work, and other types of visas for citizens of Cuba and Venezuela, citing national security concerns and a lack of cooperation from these countries.

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¿Why was Cuba sanctioned?

The United States has declared Cuba a “sponsor of terrorism” and accuses it of not sharing enough information or collaborating on migratory issues. In particular, it is criticized for:

• Refusing to accept Cuban citizens deported from the U.S.

• High overstay rates with B1/B2 visas (7.69%) and F/M/J visas (18.75%).

As a result, the following visas are suspended for Cuban nationals:

• B-1 (business)

• B-2 (tourism)

• B-1/B-2 (combined)

• F, M, J (studies and exchange programs)

Additionally, consular offices will reduce the validity of any other nonimmigrant visa for Cubans.

Currently, more than 1.3 million Cuban immigrants live in the United States, representing 3% of the immigrant population.

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¿What's happening with Venezuela?

The proclamation indicates that Venezuela does not have a reliable central authority to issue passports or verify documents, and it also does not accept deportations of Venezuelan citizens from the U.S.

Additionally, a 9.83% rate of illegal stays on B1/B2 visas is reported.

For these reasons, the following visas are also suspended:

• B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2

• F, M, J

  
  

It is estimated that some 750,000 Venezuelans live in the U.S., either by birth or ancestry.

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¿Who is exempt?

Not all individuals are subject to this proclamation. The following groups are exempt:

• Legal permanent residents of the U.S.

• Immediate relatives of legal residents with an immigrant visa.

• U.S. government employees with special visas.

• Children in the process of adoption.

• Dual nationals not traveling on a Cuban or Venezuelan passport.

• Foreign citizens with certain nonimmigrant visas.

• Athletes, coaches, and teams traveling for events like the 2026 World Cup or the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Additionally, the Secretary of State may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis if the person represents a “national interest” for the U.S.

This measure represents a tightening of immigration policies towards citizens of Cuba and Venezuela. For those already in the U.S., they will not be directly affected, but there will be severe restrictions for new nonimmigrant visa applicants.

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Note: This information is based on the policies in effect as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. To obtain the most up-to-date information, please consult the official USCIS website or consult with a certified immigration attorney.

Source: El País.

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