Bloomberg Line – The US government announced on Tuesday Visa restrictions imposed on operators operating charter flights To Nicaragua from Cuba and Haiti, putting migrants at risk.
This announcement comes within the framework of a promise made by the administration of President Joe Biden Take strong action Against those who are facilitating an unprecedented wave of Cuban and Haitian immigrants who are using Nicaragua as a stepping stone to the United States.
The State Department statement did not specify who would be banned from traveling to the United States, but Brian Nichols, Under Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, said, “This is unacceptable.” One of many measures underway to protect migrants And put an end to this abusive practice.”
Until recently, the Nicaraguan government, led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, It facilitated the arrival of 31,000 people from Haiti on 260 charter flightsThe Associated Press reported that they were all on their way to the southern border.
Trips to Nicaragua They are usually run by travel agencies In the case of Cuban immigrants, they sell tickets in Hialeah, Florida.
After securing flights They charge passengers thousands of dollars for a one-way trip From Havana to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua.
After arriving, The Nicaraguan government charges passengers a tourist card feewhich also includes landing fees that can cost at least $10,000 per plane.
he Miami Herald I mentioned that Nicaragua has long been used as a bridge by Cubans to reach the United States, and Venezuelan state airline Conviasa offers charter flights from Havana to Managua To reach the US-Mexico border.
However, in recent months, the migration has expanded to include tens of thousands of Haitians after Ortega suspended visa requirements for citizens of the troubled country. Paying more than 4000 USD per personHaitians boarded flights from Haiti’s two international airports, as well as the Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Once in Managua, they paid smugglers to help facilitate their journey north to the US-Mexico border.
The State Department urges Haitian and Cuban immigrants and others interested in immigration to “consider one of the many safe and legal avenues available.” More information about legal avenues can be found athttps://movilidadsegura.org/.
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