Duval Times

Recently, the Biden-Harris Administration expanded nonimmigrant visas (NIV) to Cubans. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rick Scott (R-FL) have expressed concerns regarding this policy, suggesting it poses a risk to national security due to inadequate vetting.

In a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators stated: “Rather than compelling the Cuban dictatorship to end its human rights abuses and bring democracy to the island, the Biden-Harris Administration has only looked for opportunities to pacify the regime and mend diplomatic relations. We see no other reason for expanding NIVs to Cuban individuals and no justification for why doing so serves the interests of the United States.”

The letter raises issues with how the NIV expansion could disproportionately benefit Cuba's ruling elite, who already have access to higher education and employment opportunities denied to most residents. The senators argue that these individuals are likely closely aligned with the regime. They also express concern over the historical use of athletes, artists, and entertainers by the Cuban government as propaganda tools abroad.

Highlighting potential security risks, they note: “It will be nearly impossible to provide proper vetting of potential NIV recipients given the regime’s lack of transparency and our inadequate insight into the island.” The letter suggests that this policy is another instance of what they describe as "the Biden-Harris Administration’s appeasement of the regime."

The senators referenced previous actions by the administration, such as a parole program allowing former high-ranking regime officials and state security forces members—allegedly complicit in human rights abuses—to enter and reside in the U.S. This program was paused following reports of fraud and abuse.

Additionally, they criticized lifting Cuba's designation as a “not fully cooperating” country on counterterrorism efforts despite its status as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SSOT). They argued that this decision appeared aimed at placating a regime accused of harboring terrorists and supporting militant groups.

In their concluding remarks, they questioned how expanding NIVs aligns with U.S. interests given these security concerns:

“How does expanding NIVs not benefit members of the Cuban regime when it provides more opportunities for fraud and abuse? How will you ensure that individuals with connections to the regime are not issued NIVs? Please provide a detailed explanation of the vetting process.”

The letter ends with further inquiries about whether similar visa expansions are planned for other SSOT-designated countries like Iran, North Korea, and Syria.

Sincerely,

Marco Rubio

Ted Cruz

Rick Scott

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