Biden's Controversial Move on Cuba Sparks Debate Among Miami's Cuban-American Community
The Biden administration’s decision to remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism has sparked intense debate, particularly among Miami’s Cuban American community. This decision, part of a deal brokered by the Vatican to secure the release of 553 political prisoners, marks a significant shift in U.S.-Cuba relations. While some are hailing it as a diplomatic victory, others view it as a misstep that fails to address the systemic oppression of the Cuban regime. The move has profound implications for U.S. foreign policy, human rights, and the lives of Cuban exiles in Miami, who see it as a critical moment in the long-standing struggle for freedom in their homeland.
The historical context of U.S.- Cuba relations
The United States has had a turbulent relationship with Cuba since the 1959 revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power. For decades, U.S. policy toward Cuba has oscillated between attempts at engagement and strict sanctions aimed at pressuring the regime. In 2015, the Obama administration removed Cuba from the terrorism list and restored diplomatic relations. However, the Trump administration reversed many of these policies, reinstating Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism in 2021.
President Biden's recent decision signals another significant shift, but its timing—just days before the end of his term—has raised questions about its durability and intent.
The agreement and its implications
Under the deal facilitated by the Vatican, the Cuban government agreed to release 553 political prisoners, a step welcomed by human rights organizations. However, critics argue that the removal of Cuba from the terrorism list grants the regime a form of legitimacy without ensuring meaningful, long-term reforms.
“This is a regime that has shown time and time again that it will make concessions only when it benefits them,” said a prominent Cuban-American activist in Miami. “Releasing political prisoners is a good start, but what about the thousands still imprisoned, the censorship, and the repression?”
For the Cuban-American community in Miami, this decision feels like a betrayal. Many exiles fled Cuba to escape the very regime that now appears to be benefiting from U.S. leniency. They fear that removing Cuba from the terrorism list will ease sanctions and allow the government to access international funding without addressing its human rights record.
The Miami perspective
Miami is home to the largest Cuban diaspora in the United States, and for many in this community, the fight for Cuba’s freedom is deeply personal. Families separated by the revolution and its aftermath see this decision as a setback in their decades-long struggle for a free and democratic Cuba.
Daniella Fernandez, a Miami-based Cuban exile, expressed her frustration: “For those of us who have dedicated our lives to fighting for change in Cuba, this decision feels like a betrayal. The regime remains the same—so why should their status be any different?”
Others worry about the message this sends to the Cuban people still living under the regime. "What hope is left for them when they see the U.S. easing its stance without insisting on meaningful reform?" asked Joaquin Mendez, a community organizer.
The broader implications
From a diplomatic perspective, the Biden administration’s decision reflects a willingness to engage with Cuba on humanitarian grounds. Supporters argue that easing tensions could pave the way for future reforms and improved relations.
However, this optimism is not shared by all. Critics point to the regime’s history of reneging on promises and using similar deals to gain international leverage while maintaining its grip on power. By removing Cuba from the terrorism list, the U.S. could inadvertently weaken its negotiating power for future concessions.
There are also economic implications. Cuba’s removal from the terrorism list may open the door for international trade and investment, potentially boosting the regime’s finances. For many Cuban-Americans, this raises the question of whether the U.S. is enabling the very government that continues to oppress its people.
A call for accountability
What remains clear is that this decision has reignited the debate over how best to approach U.S.-Cuba relations. While the release of political prisoners is a positive step, it cannot be the end of the conversation.
Human rights organizations, activists, and the Cuban diaspora are calling for greater accountability from both the Cuban government and the U.S. administration. They argue that any engagement with Cuba must be contingent on demonstrable progress in areas like freedom of speech, political participation, and the release of all political prisoners.
The path forward for Cuba
As Miami’s Cuban-American community grapples with this decision, there is a growing consensus that grassroots activism and international pressure must continue. The Cuban government must be held accountable for its actions, and the U.S. must take a more strategic approach to ensure that its policies benefit the Cuban people, not just the regime.
For now, the debate over Biden’s decision underscores the complexity of U.S.-Cuba relations and the deep emotional ties that bind the Cuban-American community to their homeland. As one activist put it, “We cannot afford to give up on Cuba. The people deserve freedom, and we must keep fighting for it.”
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