{"id":13061,"date":"2026-05-04T19:39:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T00:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=13061"},"modified":"2026-05-03T10:24:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T15:24:41","slug":"us-ambassador-visa-is-not-a-right-and-huawei-is-not-trustworthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/politics-government\/us-ambassador-visa-is-not-a-right-and-huawei-is-not-trustworthy\/","title":{"rendered":"US Ambassador – \u201cVisa is not a right and Huawei is not trustworthy”"},"content":{"rendered":"

The new United States Ambassador to Panama has delivered a stark warning about Chinese technology<\/strong> companies. Kevin Marino Cabrera<\/strong>, 35, made the comments in an exclusive interview. He specifically called out firms like Huawei as unreliable.<\/p>\n

Cabrera arrived in Panama on April 28, 2025, to assume his diplomatic post. Before this role, he served as a Miami-Dade County commissioner and a West Kendall Community Council member. He studied political science with a specialization in international relations. Cabrera is a Republican who worked on Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.<\/p>\n

The ambassador did not mince words when discussing cybersecurity concerns. “Companies like Huawei and that type are not trustworthy,” Cabrera said. [Translated from Spanish] He linked this directly to broader national security<\/a> issues facing both nations.<\/p>\n

\"huawei
huawei at world congress barcelona 2015 by https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/janitors\/16103977343<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Visa Policies and National Security<\/h2>\n

Cabrera addressed growing public curiosity about visa cancellations. He described the process as a “black box” that often fuels speculation. The ambassador stressed that a US visa remains a privilege, not a right.<\/p>\n

“The visa is a privilege,” Cabrera explained. “People who enter our country, we want to ensure they are within the norms of our country’s national security.” [Translated from Spanish] He added that being outside those norms means you won’t be invited.<\/p>\n

The ambassador offered a simple message for those confused by the system. “Just because they approve you doesn’t mean they can’t take it away,” he said. “And if they deny you, perhaps one day they can approve you.” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

When asked if expressing opinions about the United States could trigger Visa cancellation<\/a>, Cabrera gave a direct answer. He said the US does not publish lists or name names. But he made the logic clear: if someone works against US interests, they won’t be invited.<\/p>\n

“If you don’t like the United States, if you are working against the United States, why would you want to visit the United States? Visit another country, go to China, go to Russia, I don’t know, but don’t come to the United States.” – Kevin Marino Cabrera<\/strong> [Translated from Spanish]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The ambassador confirmed that visa revocation is not permanent. He noted that each new application can receive a different decision. This means people who lost visas in the past might recover them. Those who currently hold visas could still lose them.<\/p>\n

\"US
US passport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trump’s Panama Comments and Diplomatic Relations<\/h2>\n

President Trump mentioned Panama during his inauguration speech. Cabrera revealed he knew this was coming. He had a discussion with Trump on December 23, 2024, before the announcement.<\/p>\n

Trump announced Cabrera’s nomination on December 25. The ambassador called it a good Christmas gift. “I knew what his agenda was, what he wanted to do, and what his opinions were,” Cabrera said. “My job is to be his representative in Panama and ensure his agenda is our focus every day.” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

When asked if his WhatsApp exploded on inauguration day, Cabrera laughed. He admitted it probably did. But knowing the speech content in advance didn’t change the flood of messages he received.<\/p>\n

\"President
Mulino and Trump By Daniel Torok – White HouseFacebook, Public Domain, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=166661524 and Por Lula Oficial – https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/lulaoficial\/54995784110\/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=180387988<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sovereignty Dispute and Language Differences<\/h2>\n

A recent joint communique between Panama and the United States sparked controversy. The Spanish and English versions used different language regarding sovereignty. Cabrera addressed this diplomatic hiccup directly.<\/p>\n

“When I looked at the memorandum that was signed, both in English and Spanish, it was the same,” Cabrera said. “Yes, there was a difference that was an error in a press release, but a press release does not govern an agreement.” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

The ambassador emphasized that the actual signed agreements use the word sovereignty in both languages. He referenced a historical precedent. Congresswoman Helen Chenoweth once tried to nullify the Torrijos-Carter Treaties over similar language discrepancies between English and Spanish texts. That effort failed.<\/p>\n

Cabrera acknowledged the sensitivity around language in international relations. He pointed to his first press conference where they highlighted that no real difference existed. “At this moment, in all relationships there are ups and downs,” he said. “But as we sit here today, we are perhaps at the best moment of the relationship between both countries in the last 120 years.” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

China Relations and Cybersecurity Cooperation<\/h2>\n

The ambassador was asked whether Panama can maintain relations with both the United States and China. He declined to answer directly. “That is a sovereign decision of Panama,” Cabrera stated. “It is not my decision what to do. So it is a decision and a question for the government of Panama, not for me.” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

Recent cyberattacks against Panamanian institutions have raised alarms. Cabrera confirmed that the United States stands ready to help. He mentioned cybersecurity cooperation and the Army Corps of Engineers as areas of potential assistance.<\/p>\n

“We are always willing to help, whether on the issue of cybersecurity or the issue of the Army Corps of Engineers,” Cabrera said. “If our friends, partners, allies in Panama ask us for help, we will always be present.” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

The ambassador expanded on his concerns about Chinese technology<\/strong>. He said it is not reliable technology. He pointed to China’s refusal to sign the Budapest Convention as evidence. “If it were reliable, they would sign agreements like the Budapest one,” Cabrera argued. “That makes them one of the few countries that have not been signatories to that convention because they do not want to adhere to the different categories of transparency and security for users.” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

Ambassador Cabrera’s Background and Vision<\/h2>\n

Kevin Marino Cabrera<\/a> brings a unique perspective to the role. He recently married a Panamanian woman. This personal connection to the country shapes his diplomatic approach.<\/p>\n

The United States Ambassador to Panama<\/a> sees the relationship as historically strong. He described Panama as “the center of the universe” and “Bridge of the world, heart of the universe.” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

His appointment signals continued US focus on Latin America. The administration views Panama as strategically vital. The canal, cybersecurity, and technology partnerships dominate the current agenda.<\/p>\n

Cabrera’s interview covered multiple flashpoints in the bilateral relationship. From visa policies to Chinese technology<\/strong>, his positions align firmly with Trump administration priorities. The ambassador made clear that US national security interests will guide all decisions.<\/p>\n

For Panamanians watching these developments, the message is mixed. The relationship appears strong at the highest levels. But strict visa enforcement and technology restrictions will continue. The ambassador offered no timeline for changes to current policies.<\/p>\n

Cybersecurity cooperation remains an open door. Cabrera emphasized US willingness to assist. But he tied that assistance to shared concerns about Chinese technology<\/strong>. The Budapest Convention issue will likely remain a sticking point.<\/p>\n

The interview revealed a diplomat comfortable with direct language. Cabrera did not hedge on controversial topics. He framed every issue through the lens of US national security. This approach will define his tenure in Panama City.<\/p>\n

Observers expect more friction over technology choices. Panama must navigate between its largest trading partner and its historic ally. Cabrera made clear which side the US expects Panama to choose.<\/p>\n

The coming months will test this relationship. Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve. Chinese investment in Latin America shows no signs of slowing. And visa policies will remain a sensitive topic for Panamanian travelers.<\/p>\n

For now, Cabrera projects confidence. He believes the US-Panama relationship has never been stronger. But his warnings about technology and security suggest tough conversations ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The new United States Ambassador to Panama has delivered a stark warning about Chinese technology companies. Kevin Marino Cabrera, 35, made the comments in an exclusive interview. He specifically called out firms like Huawei as unreliable. Cabrera arrived in Panama on April 28, 2025, to assume his diplomatic post. Before this role, he served as<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13062,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"video","meta":{"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[29,87],"tags":[4110,4109,3385],"class_list":{"0":"post-13061","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-video","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-politics-government","8":"category-featured","9":"tag-huawei","10":"tag-kevin-marino-cabrera","11":"tag-us-ambassador-panama","12":"post_format-post-format-video"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13061","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13061"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13061\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13065,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13061\/revisions\/13065"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13061"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13061"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13061"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}