US lifts series of restrictions on Cuba
A queue in front of the American Embassy in Havana, May 3, 2022. © YAMIL LAGE/AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
The US administration announced on Monday May 17 the lifting of a series of restrictions targeting Cuba, in particular on immigration procedures, money transfers and air connections.
The decision was welcomed by Cuba, even if the authorities of the communist country stress the "limited scope" of the measures.
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According to a statement from the State Department, the Biden administration will notably reinstate a program suspended for several years, which facilitated immigration procedures for members of the same family.
It also promises to increase processing capacity
for visa applications
in Havana.
The United States will also remove the cap of $1,000 per quarter and per sender/recipient that has so far limited money transfers to Cuba, and will also allow money to be sent outside the family.
However, the State Department specifies that these financial flows must not “
enrich
” persons or entities violating human rights.
This ceiling was decided by former President Donald Trump, who took a series of measures against Cuba during his tenure.
The Biden administration will also increase the number of flights between the United States and the island, authorizing service to cities other than Havana.
It will also authorize certain group trips which are currently prohibited.
Financial sanctions targeting Cuban personalities or entities remain in place, however, the Biden administration said.
"One small step"
This announcement was immediately hailed as "
a small step in the right direction
", "
but of limited scope
".
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez acknowledged that these are “
positive measures
” but which “
do not in any way modify the blockade [the embargo in force since 1962 ndlr], nor the main economic siege measures taken by Trump
".
The measures announced Monday are "
practical decisions intended to respond to the humanitarian situation
" in Cuba and to "
develop economic opportunities
" for Cubans, said a senior US administration official.
►Also read: A meeting between senior American and Cuban representatives on migration issues
(With AFP)
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