June 17, 2025

To: The Honorable Donald J. Trump                    The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500  

Re: Request to Reverse Family-Based Immigrant Visa Restrictions in Proclamation 10949 for Cuban and Venezuelan Nationals

From: Concerned U.S. Citizens and Lawful Residents

Dear Mr. President,

We, the undersigned U.S. citizens and lawful residents, urgently request that your administration reverse the family-based immigrant visa restrictions imposed by Presidential Proclamation 10949, effective June 9, 2025. These restrictions disproportionately harm Cuban and Venezuelan families, undermining America’s commitment to family unity, inflicting humanitarian hardship, and limiting the economic and cultural contributions of these communities.

Lifting these restrictions, particularly for Cuba and Venezuela, would align with our nation’s values, address humanitarian crises, and maintain security through targeted vetting measures.

Humanitarian Urgency

Family-based visas are a cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy, allowing citizens and lawful permanent residents to reunite with close relatives. For Cubans and Venezuelans, Proclamation 10949 exacerbates the pain of separation amid dire crises—political repression and economic collapse in Cuba and a humanitarian disaster in Venezuela. The restrictions disrupt thousands of pending applications, leaving families in limbo and compounding visa backlogs strained by per-country caps.

Cuban and Venezuelan nationals face extreme hardship, with many fleeing persecution, violence, and poverty. The suspension of visas, such as F2B (for unmarried adult children of lawful permanent residents), prolongs family separation, causing emotional and financial strain. Reversing these restrictions would restore hope and reunite families, reflecting America’s compassionate legacy.

Economic Contributions

Cuban and Venezuelan immigrants significantly strengthen the U.S. economy, particularly in states like Florida and Texas. Cuban-Americans drive entrepreneurship, with Miami’s vibrant small-business ecosystem as a testament to their impact. Venezuelan immigrants contribute across sectors, from professional fields to startups. A 2023 National Academies of Sciences report estimates immigrants add $2 trillion annually to U.S. GDP.

Reversing visa restrictions would unlock further economic potential, enabling families to pool resources, start businesses, and support local economies. These diasporas are integral to communities that rely on their innovation and resilience. By lifting the ban, your administration can bolster economic growth and reward the contributions of these hardworking immigrants.

Community and Political Impact

The Cuban-American and Venezuelan-American communities are vital to America’s cultural and political fabric, especially in key states like Florida. The Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 and historical support for Venezuelan refugees reflect a longstanding commitment to welcoming these groups. However, Proclamation 10949 risks alienating these communities, for whom family reunification is a core value.

The restrictions erode trust among these politically engaged groups, who have historically supported policies prioritizing family unity. Lifting the ban would demonstrate your administration’s commitment to their values, strengthening community ties and reinforcing America’s role as a beacon of opportunity.

Addressing Security Concerns

We acknowledge Proclamation 10949’s rationale, citing high visa overstay rates and challenges with identity verification due to limited cooperation from Cuba and Venezuela. However, family-based visa applicants, sponsored by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, pose low security risks, as familial ties ensure accountability.

Instead of blanket restrictions, we propose enhanced vetting measures, such as mandatory consular interviews, biometric screening, and sponsor verification. These protocols align with existing immigration processes and mitigate risks without penalizing families. Targeted vetting balances national security with humanitarian priorities, allowing lawful immigration to continue responsibly.

Legal and Practical Feasibility

Proclamation 10949 relies on INA 212(f), but its broad application to family-based visas risks legal challenges. The Supreme Court’s 2017 ruling upheld a narrower travel ban, but restrictions on Cuba and Venezuela may be deemed overly punitive given their low-risk profiles.

Reversing these restrictions is feasible within the proclamation’s 180-day review cycle and would complement exemptions for immediate relatives (e.g., spouses and minor children with DNA evidence). A targeted reversal for Cuban and Venezuelan nationals would uphold security while prioritizing family unity, avoiding potential litigation and aligning with judicial precedent.

Recommendation

We respectfully urge you to issue an executive action or amend Proclamation 10949 to lift family-based immigrant visa restrictions for Cuban and Venezuelan nationals. Prioritize approved petitions and implement robust vetting to ensure security. This action would reunite families, drive economic growth, and honor the contributions of these communities, reinforcing America’s values of compassion and opportunity.

Conclusion

Mr. President, your administration has the opportunity to balance humanitarian priorities with national interests. By reversing these visa restrictions, you can uphold family unity, strengthen communities, and demonstrate leadership rooted in American values. We trust you will act swiftly to address this urgent matter.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,  

Andy Herrera, Constituent

Miami-Dade County, FL, U.S.A.