How Cuba’s New Relations with the US Escalate as Trump Tightens Sanctions and Travel Restrictions? – Travel And Tour World

Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum that reasserts a more stringent stance toward Cuba, reversing the relatively flexible approach that had been adopted under the Biden administration. This policy change has caused significant concern in Cuba, as it not only strengthens the existing U.S. economic embargo but also imposes new prohibitions on tourism and financial transactions that could impact the Cuban people, particularly in terms of their daily livelihoods.

The news of this memorandum was confirmed by Reuters, citing a White House official who spoke under the condition of anonymity. The primary objective of the memorandum is to reaffirm U.S. foreign policy’s tough stance on Cuba, a shift from the more lenient policies introduced by President Biden, particularly those that relaxed some of the restrictions on economic and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

What Does the New Memorandum Signed by Trump Propose?

The memorandum, published on the White House website, clearly outlines the intent of the Trump administration to reimpose a firmer approach to U.S.-Cuba relations, one reminiscent of the first term of Trump’s presidency. The document aims to undo the relaxations that the Biden administration introduced, marking a return to policies designed to put pressure on the Cuban regime.

At its core, the memorandum calls for an end to economic practices that disproportionately benefit the Cuban regime, particularly the military, intelligence, and security sectors, at the expense of the Cuban people. The document specifically addresses the powerful GAESA conglomerate, which controls a significant portion of the Cuban economy, including key tourism-related businesses. The U.S. government now prohibits financial transactions, whether direct or indirect, with entities under GAESA’s control. This prohibition, however, does allow for certain exceptions where operations may align with the strategic interests of the United States or directly benefit the welfare of the Cuban population.

Another significant element of the memorandum is the reinforcement of the U.S. policy prohibiting tourism to Cuba. The document mandates strict enforcement of this prohibition and requires that all individuals involved in authorized travel to Cuba maintain detailed records of their transactions for a period of at least five years. According to the White House, tourism to Cuba not only serves as a source of income for the regime but has also been exploited in various ways to bypass previous restrictions.

This new memorandum also emphasizes the rejection of any efforts by the United Nations or other international bodies to remove the economic embargo. The Trump administration maintains that the embargo is a legitimate and necessary tool to compel the Cuban regime to implement meaningful political reforms and to respect the fundamental rights of the Cuban people. The memo reflects a continuation of U.S. foreign policy aimed at pressuring the Cuban government to respect democratic values and human rights.

Support for Civil Society and Monitoring Human Rights

The memorandum also highlights the Trump administration’s focus on promoting civil society and democratic freedoms in Cuba. Specifically, the policy calls for free access to the internet, strengthened press freedoms, the encouragement of privately owned businesses that are independent of state control, and the guarantee of freedom of association. These measures are designed to create a more open environment for Cuban citizens and to support the development of a society that is less dependent on state-controlled institutions.

The U.S. government also directs attention to the ongoing human rights violations in Cuba, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring of the situation. These violations include arbitrary detentions, the inhumane treatment of political prisoners, reprisals against the families of dissidents, the harassment of religious groups, and the suppression of social organizations. The memorandum asserts that the United States will continue to document and respond to these human rights abuses as part of its broader strategy to promote freedom and democracy in Cuba.

Changes to Immigration Policy

Additionally, the memorandum addresses U.S. immigration policies concerning Cuba. Specifically, it maintains the termination of the “Wet Foot, Dry Foot” policy, which had previously allowed Cubans who reached U.S. shores to remain in the country. The decision to eliminate this policy is rooted in concerns about the dangers of illegal migration, particularly by sea. The Trump administration believed that this policy encouraged risky migration attempts, often putting the lives of Cuban migrants in danger.

Another aspect of the policy change involves a call for an updated report on American citizens who are currently sought by U.S. justice and residing in Cuba or under the protection of the Cuban government. This move is aimed at addressing Havana’s lack of cooperation in judicial and security matters, further souring relations between the two countries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trump’s New Restrictions on Cuba

1. What measures has Trump taken to strengthen the embargo against Cuba?

Trump’s new memorandum tightens the economic embargo on Cuba by prohibiting American tourism to the island and expanding the restrictions on financial transactions with entities controlled by the Cuban military, particularly GAESA. The memorandum also mandates that detailed records of transactions related to authorized travel to Cuba be maintained for a minimum of five years.

2. Why did Trump reinstate Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism?

One of the most contentious decisions made by the Trump administration was the reinstatement of Cuba on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. This designation is a means of financially sanctioning the Cuban regime and further isolating it within the global banking system. The administration claims this decision was necessary to exert additional pressure on Cuba to implement structural changes and halt its support for international terrorism.

3. How does Trump’s policy affect remittances sent to Cuba?

Trump’s measures have also targeted remittances to Cuba, particularly through Orbit S.A., a company controlled by the GAESA conglomerate that manages remittances to the island. U.S. companies are now prohibited from conducting transactions with Orbit S.A., making it more difficult for Cubans living abroad to send money to their families. This prohibition could significantly impact the flow of foreign currency into the Cuban economy, further hurting the regime’s ability to support its financial interests.

4. What impact do these measures have on the Cuban people?

While the intent of Trump’s policy is to pressure the Cuban regime, these measures inevitably have a negative impact on the Cuban population. Restrictions on tourism and remittances—key sources of income for many Cuban families—serve to exacerbate the already difficult economic situation on the island. By tightening the economic embargo and placing additional constraints on financial transactions, the Trump administration’s policies contribute to the further impoverishment of the Cuban people, making it harder for them to access essential goods and services.

Trump’s new memorandum on Cuba represents a significant shift in U.S. policy, returning to a hardline stance aimed at pressuring the Cuban regime. By reinforcing the economic embargo, prohibiting tourism, and targeting remittances, the Trump administration seeks to increase the strain on the Cuban government. While these measures are intended to push the Cuban government toward reform, they also have profound negative consequences for the Cuban people, making it more difficult for them to improve their economic situation.

The continued pressure from the United States may further isolate the Cuban government on the international stage, but it will also continue to affect the daily lives of ordinary Cubans who rely on remittances, tourism, and economic activity to survive. While the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting civil society and promoting human rights in Cuba is clear, the impact of these policies on the island’s population is a growing concern as the country faces increased hardships.

«Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us»