For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 10, 2003

Effective immediately, the Department of Homeland Security will step up enforcement of travel restrictions to Cuba that are already in place.  Enforcement efforts will be enhanced to curtail illegal travel and transport of goods and funds to Cuba.  Also, the Department will be involved in the expansion of programs that promote the safe, legal, and orderly migration from Cuba.

Homeland Security officers assigned to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will increase inspection of all persons traveling directly to Cuba and arriving back directly from Cuba.  Current U.S. law strictly limits permitted travel to Cuba to journalists, official Congressional visits, persons engaged in educational purposes, and family visits by Cuban-Americans.  In all cases, there are specific limits regarding the transport of money and goods, and in certain cases, the frequency of visits.  There are also limits on items that may be brought back into the U.S. by people permitted to travel to Cuba.  CBP officers will increase their inspection efforts to uncover those persons who violate the restrictions in place.

Homeland Security officers assigned to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will assist in this effort by ensuring that travelers from the U.S to Cuba, who pass through Canada, Mexico, and other countries en route, are not violating the Cuban embargo.  DHS will use intelligence and investigative resources to identify travelers or businesses engaged in activities that circumvent the embargo.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service personnel will join with officials of the Department of State in processing eligible Cubans to immigrate to the U.S. under the "in-country refugee" program and the "Special Cuban Migration" program, also known as the Cuban lottery.