Marco Rubio Confirms New Sanctions on Cuba That Could Affect Migrant Businesses

The United States has intensified its pressure campaign against Cuba with a new set of sanctions announced by the State Department, headed by Marco Rubio. The expanded restrictions target state-owned entities that Washington claims finance the Cuban government. These measures carry potential repercussions for Cuban migrants who maintain businesses or commercial links with the island.

Rubio reaffirmed the U.S. government's stance, stating that the intention is to confront national security threats posed by the Cuban communist regime and to encourage economic and political reforms for a better Cuban future. The sanctions, formalized under Executive Order 14404, authorize penalties against individuals and organizations linked to repression in Cuba and threats to U.S. national security.

For migrants and other economic actors with business ties in Cuba, these designations create significant uncertainty. The sanctions include blocking properties and financial interests under U.S. jurisdiction, affecting any company 50% or more owned by designated entities. The inclusion of the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) is expected to further deepen the crisis in a sector that has historically been a cornerstone of government investment.

Official Cuban statistics indicate a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, with a 58% drop in the first five months of 2026 compared to the previous year, totaling only 360,000 visitors. This contrasts sharply with destinations like the Dominican Republic, which received ten times more visitors. CNN reports that hotel occupancy rates during the first quarter did not exceed 13%, leaving many rooms vacant and coastal areas with minimal activity.