The United States Embassy in Havana continues to deny a humanitarian visa application for Damir Ortiz Ramírez, a 10-year-old Cuban child diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 and suffering from a plexiform neurofibroma affecting his right eye. According to a response provided this Friday to the boy's mother and shared by activists Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia and Yamilka Lafita, the U.S. consulate reaffirmed their February 6 decision declaring both Damir and his mother as "ineligible."
The consulate's explanation stated, "In the document provided at the conclusion of your interview, you were informed that both of you were deemed ineligible for a non-immigrant visa under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, meaning you failed to demonstrate that the purpose of your trip to the United States aligns with the non-immigrant visa classification you applied for."
As an alternative, the consulate suggested applying for a humanitarian parole, which needs to be initiated and approved within the United States with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). U.S. officials in Havana informed Eliannis Ramírez, Damir's mother, that the U.S. Embassy in Cuba only participates in the final phase of this process, which involves the interview and delivery of travel documents to the beneficiary.
The family, desperate due to Damir's deteriorating health, sought a humanitarian visa to bring him to the U.S. for specialized treatment unavailable in Cuba. Despite coordinating the procedure with a Miami hospital and launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise $40,000 for medical and travel expenses, Damir remains unable to leave the country.
To obtain the humanitarian visa, authorization from Cuba's Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) was required. However, according to the mother and activists, MINSAP refused to provide this documentation, claiming that Cuba has the necessary resources to treat the child.
Diasniurka Salcedo mentioned a potential silver lining, noting that a request was submitted from the United States on February 14. "Today, immigration confirmed they acknowledge the case is urgent, but still no response," she stated, remaining hopeful: "Despite the setbacks, we continue to fight because where there’s a will, there’s a way."
Currently, Damir is hospitalized in the intensive care unit at the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana, suffering from kidney damage and inflammation in both eyes. He has endured Cuba's healthcare crisis for years. His situation gained public attention in August 2023 after his mother highlighted the dire state of the island's healthcare system. She has sought help at every possible level to get her son the surgery he needs, yet Cuban doctors have not provided a solution.
Cuban neurosurgeons have indicated that the child's tumor has spread to inoperable areas of the brain.
Key Questions About Damir's Case and U.S. Visa Denial
Why was Damir and his mother deemed ineligible for a U.S. visa?
The U.S. consulate determined they were ineligible under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, as they did not demonstrate that their travel purpose aligned with the visa classification sought.
What alternative was suggested by the U.S. Embassy?
The U.S. Embassy suggested applying for a humanitarian parole, a process that must be initiated and approved within the United States through the USCIS.
What are the health challenges Damir is facing?
Damir suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, kidney damage, and inflammation in both eyes. His condition requires specialized treatment not available in Cuba.