(Photo by Gary Raynaldo  / ©Diplomatic Times) Vintage American car in Havana, Cuba.

By  Gary   Raynaldo   DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

The Biden administration this week rolled back several Trump-era policies toward Cuba including allowing more travel to the island, and increasing the amount of money families can send there.  Trump put in place policies that severely restricted family remittances and travel to Cuba.   In 2019, Trump’s Treasury Department  limited family remittances from the U.S. to $1,000 per person per quarter. The Trump administration rules also stopped transfers of money to non-family members.   In addition, Trump  restricted non-family travel to Cuba by removing an authorization for group people-to-people educational travel,  and eliminated  the highly sought after 5-year travel visa for Cuban citizens visiting America.  In a statement,  Ned Price, Department of State spokesperson, said  “the Administration’s policy towards Cuba continues to focus first and foremost on support for the Cuban people, including their human rights and their political and economic well-being.”  Price added that  “we will make it easier for families to visit their relatives in Cuba and for authorized U.S. travelers to engage with the Cuban people, attend meetings, and conduct research.”    In 2015, President Barack Obama reestablished diplomatic relations with Cuba ending five decades of a US policy of isolationism.  President Trump then scaled back the Obama-era rapprochement with Cuba, placing restrictions on US travel to Cuba and business with Cuban entities linked to military, security, and intelligence agencies. Trump also imposed numerous sanctions on Cuba and its government officials. 

Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee applauded the Biden White House’s new policy toward Cuba. 

“I applaud the Biden Administration on its announcement to reverse a series of Trump-era policies towards Cuba that only succeeded in harming the Cuban people.   Thanks to President Biden, Cuban Americans will once again be able to better support their families by no longer being restricted by the $1,000-per-quarter limit on family remittances. The decision to re-introduce non-family donative remittances will also help support independent Cuban entrepreneurs and create greater economic opportunity for Cubans across the island.”

-Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) Chair of House Foreign Affairs Committee

Biden Administration Expands Flights To Cuba

Credit: American Airlines /  AA crew members and employees celebrate after the airline was granted authority in August 2016 by the U.S. DOT to operate five daily flights to Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) in Havana- four from Miami International Airport (MIA) and one from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT).  Flights between the US and Cuba resumed in 2016 after more than 50 years. 

Biden’s policy toward Cuba also expands U.S. flights to the island.  Flights between the U.S. and Cuba resumed in 2016 under then-President Obama after more than 50 years.   

Rep. Gregory Meeks  (D-NY) Chair House Foreign Affairs Committee  (Credit: Meeks)

“I am also glad to see the easing of travel restrictions, including both the return of group people-to-people travel and the expansion of authorized travel to Cuba that will once again include scheduled and charter flights no longer restricted to Havana. Government-to-government engagement cannot succeed without the use of some of our best diplomats – the American people. Increased exchange between the people of Cuba and the United States will create more opportunities for the Cuban private sector and will create a deeper mutual understanding for Cubans and Americans alike.”

-Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) Chair of House Foreign Affairs Committee