Cuban-American Congressman Carlos A. Giménez has formally urged the White House to immediately halt all travel to and from Cuba, as well as cease remittances to the island, with the exception of pre-approved humanitarian cases by the State Department. This appeal was officially made on April 2 in a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, where the representative for Florida's 28th District pressed the U.S. government to take stronger actions against the Cuban communist regime.
Giménez's letter begins with a respectful request for the termination of all travel to and from communist Cuba and the elimination of remittances to the island, noting that only limited humanitarian exceptions approved by the State Department should be allowed. The congressman justified his plea by citing national security and U.S. foreign policy concerns, recalling Cuba's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
"The regime in Cuba is listed among the State Sponsors of Terrorism, harbors fugitives from U.S. justice, and poses a significant threat to the security of the United States and our citizens," he warned. "This issue holds great importance for the Cuban-American community and millions of Americans who value freedom, democracy, and human rights as guiding principles," he emphasized.
Support for Trump's Cuba Policy
The Republican representative took the opportunity to commend the Cuba policy implemented during Donald Trump's previous administration, particularly the restrictions on remittances and travel. "During President Trump's first term, his leadership in reversing the disastrous appeasement policies of the Obama administration towards the Cuban regime brought hope to those who have long suffered under communist rule," he stated.
Giménez highlighted that tightening the restrictions on travel and remittances was seen as a necessary step to limit the regime's access to resources and foreign currency, which are used to exploit and oppress the Cuban people. In this context, he also acknowledged the recent measures by the current administration, though he stressed that more needs to be done.
"We applaud and welcome the Administration's recent policies to ban vessels from communist Cuba at U.S. ports, but much more remains to be accomplished," he clarified.
An Opportunity to Pressure the Regime
In his letter, Giménez underscored the current weakness of the Cuban regime, suggesting that this situation presents a unique opportunity to increase pressure from Washington. He urged the Department of the Treasury to act decisively and take swift measures.
The congressman used strong language to describe the current state of the Cuban regime, referring to it as fragile and in decline. "The murderous dictatorship in Cuba is on life support; the regime can't even keep the lights on [...] The United States must support the Cuban people to overthrow this pathetic gang once and for all," he added.
"I look forward to your continued leadership on this crucial issue and am willing to work with you to ensure that the Cuban people are not abandoned in their struggle for freedom. The time is now," he concluded.
Calls for a Travel Ban to Cuba
Giménez is not the first to suggest a potential travel ban to Cuba since January. In February, Florida Senator Rick Scott called for stricter sanctions on the Cuban government, including new restrictions on flights to the island. "We should not be traveling to Cuba. If someone wants to go to Cuba, let them go [live in] Cuba," Scott told CBS News Miami.
Scott argued that the money spent by Cuban-Americans on the island strengthens the regime, provides financial benefits to the Cuban military, and reinforces governmental repression. Historically, Republican administrations have imposed stricter travel restrictions to Cuba. During Donald Trump's presidency in 2019 and 2020, the United States banned flights to eight Cuban cities outside Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S.-Cuba Relations
Why is the U.S. considering halting travel and remittances to Cuba?
The U.S. government is considering these actions due to national security concerns and Cuba's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The aim is to limit the resources available to the Cuban regime, which uses them for oppressive purposes.
What exceptions are proposed for remittances to Cuba?
The proposal allows for limited humanitarian exceptions, which would need prior approval from the State Department, to ensure that aid reaches those in genuine need without supporting the regime.
How have previous administrations handled travel to Cuba?
Republican administrations, particularly under Donald Trump, have implemented stricter travel restrictions to Cuba, aiming to reduce the financial benefits that the Cuban regime derives from tourism and remittances.