Continuing his push to improve U.S. relations, President Obama recently announced that it sought to renew talks with the Cuban Government to establish a legal mechanism for allowing Cuban immigration to the United States. Obama’s announcement follows last month’s decision to remove certain restrictions on family visits to Cuba.
Both of these moves are welcome news to the many Cuban Americans who continue to have family ties to the country. Additionally, the establishment of a legal means to immigrate to the United States from Cuba will hopefully prevent any future humanitarian crisis like the one that occurred in 1994 when thousands of Cubans sought entry into the United States on unsafe, makeshift boats. As has been demonstrated along the Mexican border and in Europe – individuals who are desperate to immigrate will readily put their life in danger just for the opportunity to live a better life.