14 October 2003
Enforcement of U.S.
Travel Restrictions to Cuba to be Enhanced
Aim is to curtail illegal travel and transport of goods and funds
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is stepping up enforcement of
travel restrictions to Cuba that are already in place, according to an
October 10 press release issued by DHS.
The enforcement efforts, according to DHS, will be enhanced in order "to
curtail illegal travel and transport of goods and funds to Cuba." DHS said
it will also be involved in the expansion of programs that promote "the
safe, legal, and orderly migration from Cuba" to the United States.
Following is the text of the DHS press release, with further details:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Office of the Press Secretary
October 10, 2003
DHS Enhancing Enforcement of Travel Restrictions to Cuba
Effective immediately, the Department of Homeland Security will step up
enforcement of travel restrictions to Cuba that are already in place.
Enforcement efforts will be enhanced to curtail illegal travel and transport
of goods and funds to Cuba. Also, the Department will be involved in the
expansion of programs that promote the safe, legal, and orderly migration
from Cuba.
Homeland Security officers assigned to U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) will increase inspection of all persons traveling directly to Cuba and
arriving back directly from Cuba. Current U.S. law strictly limits permitted
travel to Cuba to journalists, official Congressional visits, persons
engaged in educational purposes, and family visits by Cuban-Americans. In
all cases, there are specific limits regarding the transport of money and
goods, and in certain cases, the frequency of visits. There are also limits
on items that may be brought back into the U.S. by people permitted to
travel to Cuba. CBP officers will increase their inspection efforts to
uncover those persons who violate the restrictions in place.
Homeland Security officers assigned to U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE), will assist in this effort by ensuring that travelers
from the U.S to Cuba, who pass through Canada, Mexico, and other countries
en route, are not violating the Cuban embargo. DHS will use intelligence and
investigative resources to identify travelers or businesses engaged in
activities that circumvent the embargo.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service personnel will join with officials
of the Department of State in processing eligible Cubans to immigrate to the
U.S. under the "in-country refugee" program and the "Special Cuban
Migration" program, also known as the Cuban lottery.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov) |
