The American Government Should Open Travel to Cuba
Many Americans feel that the general travel ban on Cuban Vacation Packages is a violation of the American citizen’s right to move freely. Moreover, by continuing to make it illegal for non-Cubans to visit Cuba, this sends a negative message to neighbors in the Americas who view the Cuban embargo as a symbol of America’s historically imperious approach to the entire region. Having a Cuba travel policy in place which only benefits a small segment of the population creates the wrong impression. This makes it seem that the American government is only catering to the will of the people of Miami. Miami is home to a powerful community of Cuban exiles whose lobbying has long dictated America’s policy on Cuba. This makes Obama look as if he is reacting to the political will of others. Americans should be able to take Cuba Vacation Packages!
The elimination of the general travel ban would on the other hand be a sign that the government intends to open up dialogue with Cuba, and therefore place the ball firmly in Havana’s court. Despite the fact that Cuba’s leaders have made it clear that they are against conditions for having the embargo lifted, Castro has demonstrated that they are willing to negotiate mutually advantageous agreements with America. He has even inquired on how he and his brother Raul may help further along Obama’s efforts towards improved American – Cuban relations. Undoubtedly, if the travel ban was dropped, all attention would be diverted to Cuba for the next step in the process. Cuba would have to reciprocate by for instance, allowing freer enterprise and the release of imprisoned dissidents. On the other hand, should the Cuban leadership not reciprocate, the trade embargo would still remain in place and the American government would have the upper hand by the fact that they made a significant gesture of good will. But it is unlikely that Castro would ignore Obama’s overtures, as most Latin American leaders in the region seem to have a pretty good impression of the American president.
Along with the travel ban, the trade embargo against Cuba remains one of the most unpopular American policies in the region. Moreover, just last year, the United Nations voted 185 to 3 in condemnation of the embargo. The lifting of the travel ban would be the first step in Obama demonstrating that he does care about how American foreign policy is perceived around the world. This is something he has often affirmed, both before and after the election.
The lifting of the travel ban will also have a great impact in creating independence and space for Cubans to operate freely from the current regime, thereby enabling them to begin the process towards creating more democracy in Cuba. This will have a positive impact in the entire region. Overall, the ease of travel restrictions has so far proved to be the best news for Cuban families who have been separated by the lack of freedom in Cuba. The complete lifting of the travel ban on non-Cuban Americans in general, must therefore be the next move by the American government.
February 25th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
amen!