Latest news with #CubaRestrictedList
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - Trump's return rekindles hope for freedom in Venezuela and Cuba
The dictatorships of Venezuela and Cuba received two devastating blows in less than 24 hours. The first was President Trump's announcement of an end to oil concessions to Venezuela. The second was the imposition of restrictions on U.S. visas for those who sponsor international medical brigades organized by Cuba's communist regime. The first measure marked a clear and categorical decision on the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro — that its oil cannot buy it an indefinite reprieve from the restoration of democracy. And here, the Trump administration went above and beyond by including the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua prison gang on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This new change of policy seeks to bury once and for all appeasement policies implemented by the Biden administration. The U.S. is finally calling out names and taking significant actions. A new standard is being set for relations with Latin America. The security, prosperity and well-being of the U.S. is closely linked to the security and prosperity of this region. This administration is addressing the symptoms and root causes of migration. Trump is securing the borders and dealing with authoritarian regimes that intentionally generate greater immigration to the U.S.. He is holding every country accountable for its share of the problem — a comprehensive and unprecedented approach. In 2022, the Biden administration authorized a general license for oil exploration in Venezuela in exchange for an empty democratic commitment from Maduro's regime. The regime opened a dialogue, made many promises, held elections, lost them, kept power illegally and mocked the international community once again. After the elections and the lies of his regime, Maduro continued to enjoy the benefits of a license to export oil to the U.S. During the last two years, the regime has enjoyed more than $4 billion in revenues. That oil business ended this week. The Trump administration is increasing pressure on the Venezuelan dictatorship and showing greater support for the opposition. Trump's son, Donald Jr., held a podcast with Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's main opposition leader. In this interview, it was revealed how Elon Musk's Starlink technology gave a voice to the voiceless, and helped save key information to demonstrate Maduro's electoral fraud. Trump also ratified his firm and unwavering position against the Cuban dictatorship. In record time, the U.S. reinstated its hardline policy against the regime, returning Cuba to the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Sanctions were restored upon those who benefit from stolen property, and the Cuba Restricted List was reestablished, prohibiting financial transactions with corrupt military forces. In addition, Trump's administration did what no other president has ever done — punish the regime's human trafficking of Cuban doctors. The so-called Cuban Medical Brigades have six decades of impunity, labor exploitation, human rights abuses and in some cases cover-up of military operations. Over the last two years the Mexican government paid $24 million to the Cuban dictatorship for its health care brigades. Last year, nearly 200 'volunteer' doctors arrived in Mexico. The island's tyranny will receive about $5,000 per person, whereas the doctors themselves will get crumbs. The U.S. is back and reassuming its leadership in Latin America. This time, it will not hand power over to China, Iran or any other Eastern Hemisphere power. Leadership through strength is fundamental. Like President Ronald Reagan, Trump is not willing to accept blackmail or pressure from any banana republic over key areas such trade, drug trafficking or migration. This administration is not afraid of conflict or controversy — on the contrary, it sees these as a necessary part of the path to change. The policy of conquering in chaos is generating results in Venezuela and beyond. For the first time, Mexico is handing over dozens of key drug lords to the U.S. without denials or delays. The Attorney General of Panama has also declared unconstitutional its government's agreements with Chinese companies in the port sector. More countries are receiving migrants and creating programs to repatriate them. And the list goes on and on. These changes don't happen by accident, these changes are intentional, and it's just getting started. America is back. Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the Organization of American States and former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps. He is an alumnus of the National Defense University's Security and Defense Seminar and the Harvard Leadership course. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
02-03-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Trump's return rekindles hope for freedom in Venezuela and Cuba
The dictatorships of Venezuela and Cuba received two devastating blows in less than 24 hours. The first was President Trump's announcement of an end to oil concessions to Venezuela. The second was the imposition of restrictions on U.S. visas for those who sponsor international medical brigades organized by Cuba's communist regime. The first measure marked a clear and categorical decision on the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro — that its oil cannot buy it an indefinite reprieve from the restoration of democracy. And here, the Trump administration went above and beyond by including the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua prison gang on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This new change of policy seeks to bury once and for all appeasement policies implemented by the Biden administration. The U.S. is finally calling out names and taking significant actions. A new standard is being set for relations with Latin America. The security, prosperity and well-being of the U.S. is closely linked to the security and prosperity of this region. This administration is addressing the symptoms and root causes of migration. Trump is securing the borders and dealing with authoritarian regimes that intentionally generate greater immigration to the U.S.. He is holding every country accountable for its share of the problem — a comprehensive and unprecedented approach. In 2022, the Biden administration authorized a general license for oil exploration in Venezuela in exchange for an empty democratic commitment from Maduro's regime. The regime opened a dialogue, made many promises, held elections, lost them, kept power illegally and mocked the international community once again. After the elections and the lies of his regime, Maduro continued to enjoy the benefits of a license to export oil to the U.S. During the last two years, the regime has enjoyed more than $4 billion in revenues. That oil business ended this week. The Trump administration is increasing pressure on the Venezuelan dictatorship and showing greater support for the opposition. Trump's son, Donald Jr., held a podcast with Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's main opposition leader. In this interview, it was revealed how Elon Musk's Starlink technology gave a voice to the voiceless, and helped save key information to demonstrate Maduro's electoral fraud. Trump also ratified his firm and unwavering position against the Cuban dictatorship. In record time, the U.S. reinstated its hardline policy against the regime, returning Cuba to the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Sanctions were restored upon those who benefit from stolen property, and the Cuba Restricted List was reestablished, prohibiting financial transactions with corrupt military forces. In addition, Trump's administration did what no other president has ever done — punish the regime's human trafficking of Cuban doctors. The so-called Cuban Medical Brigades have six decades of impunity, labor exploitation, human rights abuses and in some cases cover-up of military operations. Over the last two years the Mexican government paid $24 million to the Cuban dictatorship for its health care brigades. Last year, nearly 200 'volunteer' doctors arrived in Mexico. The island's tyranny will receive about $5,000 per person, whereas the doctors themselves will get crumbs. The U.S. is back and reassuming its leadership in Latin America. This time, it will not hand power over to China, Iran or any other Eastern Hemisphere power. Leadership through strength is fundamental. Like President Ronald Reagan, Trump is not willing to accept blackmail or pressure from any banana republic over key areas such trade, drug trafficking or migration. This administration is not afraid of conflict or controversy — on the contrary, it sees these as a necessary part of the path to change. The policy of conquering in chaos is generating results in Venezuela and beyond. For the first time, Mexico is handing over dozens of key drug lords to the U.S. without denials or delays. The Attorney General of Panama has also declared unconstitutional its government's agreements with Chinese companies in the port sector. More countries are receiving migrants and creating programs to repatriate them. And the list goes on and on. These changes don't happen by accident, these changes are intentional, and it's just getting started. America is back. Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the Organization of American States and former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps. He is an alumnus of the National Defense University's Security and Defense Seminar and the Harvard Leadership course.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Western Union suspends money transfers to Cuba
MIAMI - Financial services company Western Union has suspended money transfers to Cuba after the U.S. State Department reinstated sanctions on Cuban military-run businesses, a move that is already affecting Cuban American families who send financial support to relatives on the island. Impact on Cuban families For Carolina Yarini, who regularly sends money to her aunts in Cuba, the decision is personal. "I feel bad for me and I feel bad for everybody else that sends money to their family," Yarini told CBS News Miami. Her relatives in Cuba typically receive at least $100 per month from family in South Florida, money that many rely on for basic necessities. Despite the hardship, Yarini supports the policy change. "I think this is the beginning of a big step that our President Trump is doing to bring freedom to Cuba," she said. Policy reversal and sanctions U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reversed a decision made by former President Joe Biden to lift sanctions on Cuban military-controlled businesses. Among the affected entities is FINCIMEX, the Havana-based financial company that processes money transfers to the island, the Miami Herald reported. "Western Union closes its doors because they cannot deal with that corporation anymore," said Orlando Gutierrez, leader of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance, a South Florida-based anti-communist organization. Gutierrez argued that blocking money flow to the Cuban government weakens the regime. "The weaker that regime is, the stronger the Cuban people will be in regaining their freedom so they have a better life," he said. Western Union's response Western Union acknowledged the policy change in a statement to CBS News Miami's partner, the Miami Herald. "The company is aware of the U.S. State Department's plans to reissue and update the Cuba Restricted List. We will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as it pertains to this list," Brad Jones, Western Union spokesperson, said as part of a written statement. Mixed reactions in South Florida While many Cuban Americans depend on remittances to support their families, some agreed with the restrictions. Yarini believes the Cuban government profits too much from the money sent by exiles. "Most of the money goes to the dictatorship," she said. "There's a certain percentage, so it's like you're feeding a system and it's okay." Breaking down the best commercials from the Super Bowl Here's what could be behind surging flu cases, plus symptoms to watch New poll on Trump approval rating as steel, aluminum tariffs set
CBS News
11-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Western Union suspends money transfers to Cuba following U.S. sanctions
MIAMI - Western Union has suspended money transfers to Cuba after the U.S. State Department reinstated sanctions on Cuban military-run businesses, a move that is already affecting Cuban American families who send financial support to relatives on the island. Impact on Cuban families For Carolina Yarini, who regularly sends money to her aunts in Cuba, the decision is personal. "I feel bad for me and I feel bad for everybody else that sends money to their family," Yarini told CBS News Miami. Her relatives in Cuba typically receive at least $100 per month from family in South Florida, money that many rely on for basic necessities. Despite the hardship, Yarini supports the policy change. "I think this is the beginning of a big step that our President Trump is doing to bring freedom to Cuba," she said. Policy reversal and sanctions U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reversed a decision made by former President Joe Biden to lift sanctions on Cuban military-controlled businesses. Among the affected entities is FINCIMEX, the Havana-based financial company that processes money transfers to the island. "Western Union closes its doors because they cannot deal with that corporation anymore," said Orlando Gutierrez, leader of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance, a South Florida-based anti-communist organization. Gutierrez argues that blocking money flow to the Cuban government weakens the regime. "The weaker that regime is, the stronger the Cuban people will be in regaining their freedom so they have a better life," he said. Western Union's response Western Union acknowledged the policy change in a statement to CBS News Miami's partner, the Miami Herald: "The company is aware of the U.S. State Department's plans to reissue and update the Cuba Restricted List. We will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as it pertains to this list." -- Brad Jones, Western Union Spokesperson. Mixed reactions in South Florida While many Cuban Americans depend on remittances to support their families, some agree with the restrictions. Yarini believes the Cuban government profits too much from the money sent by exiles. "Most of the money goes to the dictatorship," she said. "There's a certain percentage, so it's like you're feeding a system and it's okay."
