Reactivation of Helms-Burton Act's Title III by U.S. Increases Restrictions on Cuban Entities

The United States government has reinstated Title III of the Helms-Burton Act and expanded the list of restricted Cuban entities, marking a tougher stance against the Cuban regime as declared by Donald Trump. "The Trump administration is reestablishing a strict policy towards Cuba that safeguards the United States and supports the Cuban people. We have kept Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism—where it belongs—and have taken other measures. The Cuban regime's oppression of its people and its malign activities must end," stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio on his official X account.

The State Department also released a statement confirming that as of January 31, the reactivation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act has been "approved," enabling U.S. citizens to file lawsuits over properties confiscated by the Cuban regime. "The Trump administration is committed to ensuring that American citizens have the ability to pursue private claims related to trafficked property confiscated by the Cuban regime," the statement declared.

In line with this legislation, the U.S. has also reinstated the so-called "Cuba Restricted List," a collection of Cuban entities with which U.S. citizens are prohibited from conducting transactions due to their connections with the regime's military, intelligence, or security apparatus. Additionally, the company Orbit, S.A., which processes remittances to Cuba and is accused of operating for the benefit of Cuban military forces, has been added to this list.

The administration reiterated its decision to keep Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, a designation it views as appropriate given the Cuban regime's historical cooperation with international acts of terrorism.

From day one of Trump's presidency, the White House has been making moves to reverse the changes implemented by the Joe Biden administration, which the U.S. government claims were erroneous and detrimental to national interests. The Trump administration has consistently emphasized its commitment to holding the Cuban regime accountable for its abuses, highlighting the oppression against the Cuban people and its negative interference in Latin America and other parts of the world.

The State Department also noted that the U.S. Embassy in Havana is engaging with the families of political detainees and dissidents, reaffirming the unwavering support of the United States for the Cuban people's struggle for freedom and justice. "We support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Cuban people and demand the release of all unjustly detained political prisoners. Our embassy in Havana is meeting with the families of those unjustly detained, as well as with dissidents, to ensure they know that the United States fully supports them," the statement emphasized.