HAVANA, June 10 – The latest U.S. travel restrictions targeting 19 countries, including Cuba, have drawn mixed reactions from residents of the Caribbean nation. The policy, effective June 9, limits entry for Cuban nationals seeking to reunite with family or pursue economic opportunities in the United States.
Carlos Martínez, a Havana-based mechanic, told reporters: "This feels like a step backward. Many families here depend on remittances from relatives abroad." Others expressed resignation, noting decades of fluctuating U.S.-Cuba relations. Local economist Dr. Isabel Ortega warned the measures could strain Cuba's tourism sector, which saw 2.4 million international visitors in 2023.
While some residents criticized the policy's timing amid Cuba's ongoing economic reforms, others emphasized resilience. "We've adapted to challenges before," said María López, a small business owner in Old Havana. Analysts suggest the restrictions may accelerate regional trade partnerships, with Cuban officials recently signing new agreements with Asian and Latin American partners.
