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A new survey from the Cuba Study Group, conducted in collaboration with the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University (FIU), revealed that the majority of Cuban Americans residing in South Florida still have close relatives living on the island, despite the political estrangement between the two countries.
The results are part of the FIU Cuba Poll 2024, a landmark study that has been analyzing the opinions of this community regarding the relationships between the United States and Cuba since 1991.
Based on interviews with 1,001 Cuban-Americans in South Florida, the study revealed that 66% have close relatives on the island.
Additionally, 51% wish to bring those relatives to the U.S., 52% have traveled to Cuba, and 42% send remittances.
Migrants who moved after 1995 are the ones who send the most money and visit the island; meanwhile, 55% support maintaining the embargo, although 75% believe it has not worked well.
In addition, 72% support the Humanitarian Parole Program launched by Biden in 2023, and 47% favor allowing unrestricted travel for all Americans to Cuba.
The survey breaks down the data by political affiliation, showing how these personal connections transcend party ideologies.
According to the report, although there has been a slight decrease in support for the embargo compared to the previous edition in 2022, the majority of Cuban Americans continue to support isolation policies towards the Cuban government.
"The community continues to reflect a traditionally tough stance," the text points out.
However, support for initiatives that foster family contact, such as travel and the sending of remittances, remains, indicating a desire to maintain personal ties even amid diplomatic tensions.
"The collateral damage suffered by Cubans on the island is only partially mitigated by ongoing support for policies that allow or increase contact between families and friends," reads the preface of the study.
The survey is the fourth conducted since Donald Trump first ran for president in 2016, and its authors highlighted that changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba have directly influenced the attitudes of the Cuban-American community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban-American Relations and Cuba
How many Cuban Americans from South Florida have relatives in Cuba?
The survey conducted by the Cuba Study Group and Florida International University reveals that the majority of Cuban Americans in South Florida still have close family members living in Cuba.
What is the position of Cuban Americans regarding the embargo on Cuba?
Although there has been a slight decrease in support for the embargo compared to the 2022 survey, the majority of Cuban Americans continue to endorse isolationist policies toward the Cuban government.
How do travel restrictions affect the family reunification of Cubans?
The travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration have made family reunification difficult for many Cubans, as immigrant visas have been suspended and scrutiny at the borders has increased.
What impact do Donald Trump's policies have on Cuban migration to the United States?
Donald Trump's policies have dramatically reduced the number of Cuban border crossings into the United States, due to the tightening of border controls and the suspension of programs such as humanitarian parole.
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