Cuba

Despite the close proximity of Cuba to the United States, the U.S.-Cuba relationship is deeply strained. The continued U.S. embargo on Cuba, a policy without parallel around the world, has increased hardships for the Cuban people, alienated key partners in Latin America, and allowed global competitors like Russia and China to expand their influence. At the same time, the Cuban government’s oppressive policies against its own people and historical support for antidemocratic armed insurgencies have significantly narrowed opportunities for U.S. engagement amid legitimate human rights concerns. Ultimately, the Trump Administration’s expansion of the most restrictive policies set back any chance of improved relations, caused additional harm to the Cuban people, and contributed to a humanitarian crisis that has led to more than 2% of the country’s population fleeing abroad. 

Relations between the United States and Cuba are now at an inflection point. The July 11 protests that swept the island in 2021 demonstrate that the Cuban people are exasperated with their government and their increasingly dire economic situation. Since these protests began, President Biden has made prudent and measured strides towards establishing a more cooperative relationship with Cuba, encouraging private business on the island, and increasing support for the Cuban people, including by resuming the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program. But these actions are only first steps, and President Biden and Congress can do much more to build upon this momentum.