The U.S. Embassy in Havana announced on Thursday that all visa interviews originally set for this Friday, December 20, have been postponed to a later date. The embassy explained that this decision stems from a protest march organized by the Cuban president, which will occur in front of the embassy, thereby restricting access. The consular office noted that affected applicants will be contacted directly to reschedule their appointments.
A decade after the thaw prompted by former President Obama and following the announcement of the "Combatant People's March" by Miguel Díaz-Canel, U.S. Undersecretary of State Brian Nichols recently emphasized to the Cuban leader that democracy remains the only viable path for Cuba. Nevertheless, seemingly oblivious to the true essence of "democracy," Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel remains fervently committed to conducting the "Combatant People's March."
"On December 20, alongside the heroic Cuban people, we will march to demand the end of the blockade and Cuba's removal from the illegitimate list of countries allegedly sponsoring terrorism. As we have marched with Fidel many times, we will take to the streets," Díaz-Canel declared on X this past Tuesday.
The proposed march has been met with widespread criticism and ridicule among Cubans, who mockingly suggest that "Sandro should go," referencing Fidel Castro's grandson. Many outraged citizens have questioned the purpose of this mobilization amid a severe economic crisis characterized by power outages, food shortages, and widespread deprivation, casting a shadow over the end of 2024, which is expected to be even darker than it began.
Impact of the Protest March on U.S. Embassy Operations
Why did the U.S. Embassy in Havana reschedule visa appointments?
The embassy rescheduled appointments due to a protest march organized by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, which will occur in front of the embassy and restrict access.
How will affected visa applicants be informed about the new appointment dates?
Applicants whose appointments are affected will be directly contacted by the embassy to arrange new appointment dates.
What is the "Combatant People's March" about?
The "Combatant People's March" is a protest organized by Díaz-Canel to demand the end of the U.S. blockade and to argue against Cuba's inclusion on the list of countries allegedly sponsoring terrorism.