General Update:
On June 30, 2025, the White House released a Presidential Memorandum outlining updated U.S. policy toward Cuba. The memorandum doubles down on Trump-era “maximum pressure” policies from his first term, adding new economic and travel restrictions. While Americans who complied with the pre–June 30 regulations remain in compliance, the new rules intensify Washington’s economic chokehold on the island. The administration’s stated goal is to “force the collapse of the Cuban government.”

Belly of the Beast: Cuba Approves Landmark Legal Gender Change – 7/21/25
Cuba’s parliament passed a new Civil Registration Law granting people the right to legally change their gender without requiring surgery or a change in physical appearance. This follows the 2022 Family Code reform that legalized same-sex marriage and adoption—marking another major step in expanding LGBTQ+ rights in Cuba.
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Travel Noire: Trump Enforces Stricter Cuba Policy, Cracks Down on U.S. Tourism – 7/10/25
Donald Trump signed a new memorandum imposing tighter tourism and economic restrictions on Cuba. The policy calls for stricter enforcement of the existing statutory ban on tourism through regular audits and mandatory record-keeping. It also prohibits U.S. citizens from doing business with GAESA, a Cuban military-run conglomerate that manages many hotels on the island. Since tourism is one of Cuba’s most important economic sectors, the move delivers another significant blow to the nation’s economy.
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CBS News: Cuban Man Who Lived in U.S. for Nearly 60 Years Dies in ICE Custody – 7/1/25
On June 26, Isidro Perez died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in South Florida. Perez, who had lived in the U.S. for almost six decades, was arrested for “inadmissibility” under the Immigration and Nationality Act. While in detention, he developed several medical issues and later died at Kendall Florida Hospital after experiencing chest pains.
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Guyana Standard: Guyana Now Fully Compliant with U.S. Requirements on Cuban Medical Brigade – 5/20/25
Guyana’s Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced in June that the country is now in full compliance with U.S. requirements concerning Cuban medical personnel. This comes after the U.S. threatened sanctions against countries hosting Cuban doctors. Guyana adjusted its agreement with Cuba under pressure from Washington, weakening a long-standing medical cooperation program.
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Belly of the Beast: Caving to U.S. Pressure, the Bahamas Cancels Cuba’s Medical Mission – 6/17/25
Following U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of visa restrictions for officials from countries hosting Cuban medical brigades, the Bahamas canceled its contracts with Cuban doctors in June. The move ends years of medical cooperation between the two nations and is part of Washington’s broader campaign to dismantle Cuba’s international medical missions.
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Belly of the Beast: U.S. Spikes Cuba’s Volleyball Dreams with Visa Denial – 7/2/25
The Cuban women’s national volleyball team was denied U.S. visas for the final four tournament in Puerto Rico, a decision the Cuban Volleyball Federation called “unfair and discriminatory.” Earlier this year, the men’s national basketball team was also denied visas for AmericaCup qualifiers. If such restrictions continue, Cuban teams will face growing barriers to participating in international sporting events.
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