United StatesOrder blocks assets and restricts entry for people tied to Cuba-related conduct
This order blocks covered people’s U.S.-connected property, restricts their U.S. entry, and allows sanctions on foreign banks that help them, subject to exceptions and licenses.
What it does
Designated people and entities tied to covered Cuba-related activity would have their U.S.-connected property blocked, while U.S. persons could not conduct transactions with them.
Foreign nationals designated under the order would be barred from entering the United States as immigrants or temporary visitors, unless an official approves entry in the national interest.
Foreign banks and similar financial businesses that significantly help blocked people could lose access to U.S. accounts or have U.S.-connected property blocked.
Argument forBlocking assets and restricting entry could reduce designated actors’ access to U.S. money and services for covered repression or corruption.
Argument againstBroad designation criteria and no advance notice could freeze property or restrict relatives’ dealings before affected people can respond.
More detail
The Secretaries of State and Treasury may designate covered people and entities, whose property and property interests must then be blocked. Covered targets include Cuban government agencies, people in specified Cuban economic sectors, supporters, officials, people tied to human rights abuse or corruption, and adult family members of designated people. U.S. persons and people in the United States may not transfer, pay, export, withdraw, or otherwise deal in blocked property. U.S. persons may not evade the restrictions, attempt to violate them, conspire to violate them, or make specified donations to blocked people. Statutes, regulations, orders, directives, and licenses may create exceptions. Activities authorized under certain existing licenses for Cuba-related transactions remain valid. The order allows designations without advance notice when notice could let assets be moved before blocking takes effect. The restrictions apply when property is in the United States, later enters the United States, or comes under the control of a U.S. person.
The order suspends entry into the United States for designated people covered by its Cuba-related criteria. The suspension covers both immigrant and temporary entry by foreign nationals determined to meet one or more of the order’s designation criteria. The Secretary of State or a designated official may allow entry when it is in the national interest. The order applies the same treatment described in a prior presidential proclamation for people subject to specified sanctions and travel bans. The entry suspension applies when a person is determined to meet the criteria in section 2(a)(i) of the order.
The Treasury Secretary, after consulting the State Secretary, may restrict or block a foreign financial institution that significantly transacts with a blocked person. Covered institutions include foreign banks and many other businesses that accept deposits, handle credit, trade financial products, or provide related financial services. Treasury may restrict the institution’s U.S. correspondent or payable-through accounts, or block its U.S.-connected property. The order also prohibits covered contributions or services involving property blocked under these financial sanctions. Statutes, regulations, orders, directives, and licenses may provide exceptions, including certain existing Cuba-related licenses. Treasury may impose these sanctions after determining that the foreign financial institution conducted or facilitated a significant transaction for or on behalf of a blocked person.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Where it stands
- Signed
- Published
History
- 2026
- May 7Published in the Federal RegisterPublished
- May 1Signed by President Donald TrumpSigned
Foreign PolicyNational SecurityImmigration