US to Assess Increasing Its Consular Staff in Cuba

HAVANA TIMES — Once the practical effects of Cuba’s new immigration reforms are determined, the United States government will assess whether it will need to increase its consular staff in Havana, said Roberta Jacobson, the US Secretary of State for Latin America.

“I think we’ll have to wait before discussing the implications of this (announcement) in practical terms. We’ll have to see how it’s applied,” said Jacobson during a press conference in Washington last week.

According to EFE, the official added, “We can’t say yet whether we need more staff in Havana because we don’t know exactly what will be level of demand” for US visas.

“We have a very active and robust consular program in Havana,” said Jacobson, whose short-term goal is to reduce the delay in visa applications.