WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos Gimenez released the following statement in support of the recent announcement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the expansion of Visa Restrictions on individuals exploiting Cuban labor. 

On February 25, 2025, the U.S Department of State announced the implementation of visa restrictions to Cuban officials that are exploiting Cuban labor export programs. This updated policy applies to current and former Cuban officials, as well as other foreign officials who are complicit in these inhumane exploitative practices. 

"I applaud President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for combating the murderous dictatorship in Communist Cuba. The ruthless Castro regime must be held accountable for its countless crimes against humanity including human trafficking and forced labor," said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. "We know Cuban doctors are sold like cattle to the highest bidder and subjected to inhospitable, slave-like conditions — and this new State Dept policy is a step in the right direction to prevent the regime in Havana from profiting from their perverse modern-day slavery scheme. I look forward to continuing working with Secretary Rubio and President Trump to enforce a policy that isolates the Castro regime and assists the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom."

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Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 119th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He is the first career firefighter paramedic elected to the House of Representatives and served as the former Fire Chief of the City of Miami and Mayor of Miami-Dade County. Rep. Gimenez was appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson to the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents and serves as Vice-Chairman of the Republican Governance Group. He serves as the Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, the Armed Services Committee, and the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.