In what ways can Cuban nationals lawfully present in the United States participate in the U.S. financial system?
OFAC's answer
Certain Cuban nationals who have taken up residence in the United States on a permanent basis and who meet the requirements set forth in [31 CFR § 515.505(a)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515/subpart-E/section-515.505) are licensed as unblocked nationals, and may participate fully in the U.S. financial system. See [31 CFR §§ 515.505(a)(1) and (d)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515/subpart-E/section-515.505). Pursuant to [31 CFR § 515.571](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515/subpart-E/section-515.571), Cuban nationals who are present in the United States in a non-immigrant status or pursuant to other non-immigrant travel authorization issued by the U.S. government, such as a non-immigrant visa, may open and maintain bank accounts in the United States, provided that the Cuban-national account holder may only access the account while lawfully present in the United States. Section [515.571](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515/subpart-E/section-515.571) also authorizes such Cuban nationals to engage in normal banking transactions involving foreign currency drafts, travelers’ checks, or other instruments negotiated incident to travel in the United States.