Travel Ban Separates Family, Halts Visa Process for Reunification with Mother in U.S.

In Havana, a ten-year-old girl named Sofia recorded a video message for President Trump. In her plea, she requested that he reconsider the travel restrictions recently imposed on Cuba.

Sofia's mother, Lia Llanes, left Cuba three years ago and now resides in Miami as a legal permanent resident. Llanes's goal was to eventually bring her daughter to the United States. Sofia currently lives with her grandmother in Havana.

Llanes had secured a family reunification visa for Sofia, and the final step was an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba. However, the interview was canceled due to a proclamation signed by President Trump on June 5th. This proclamation restricted travel and immigration from several countries, including Cuba, citing national security concerns. The ban prevents green card holders like Llanes from sponsoring relatives from Cuba, limiting this privilege to U.S. citizens.

The travel ban deeply affected Sofia, who was already approved for the visa and preparing to join her mother. Sofia was so upset that she didn't want to communicate with anyone for two days. She expressed her desire to be with her mother during a brief phone call.

President Trump has stated that the ban is essential for national security. The State Department has indicated that more countries could be added to the list due to security concerns. Immigration attorney Saman Movaghassi Gonzales noted that the frequent policy changes are disrupting the plans of many families. The travel ban creates significant challenges for those already in the immigration process, as they have invested time and money. Llanes hopes to become a U.S. citizen, a process that could take two years, potentially delaying Sofia's reunification with her mother.