Obama rolls back Bush restrictions on Cuba
as part of the $410 billion budget Obama signed today, several provisions essentially roll back limits imposed by Bush on travel and business with Cuba.
first, restrictions on travel to Cuba by US residents with relatives in Cuba have been eased. Cuban-Americans can now travel to Cuba once a year (instead of once every three years under Bush.) also, the two-week maximum duration of their stay has been lifted.
second, the definition of "relative" has been broadened to include uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces, meaning more Cuban-Americans will be able to travel to Cuba than under the more restrictive definition used by Bush (only parents, grandparents, children and siblings counted as relatives).
third, US residents traveling to Cuba will be able to spend more dollars there (up to $179.00 per day).
and fourth, the policy of expecting Cuba to pay for agricultural and medical goods in the US before the cargo was loaded onto ships headed for Cuba has been ended. instead, the pre-Bush policy where payment was expected when the goods reached Cuba is back in effect (this is the method favored by U.S. farmers and exporters because it makes trade easier).
US Citizens still have great limitations on their ability to go to Cuba and spend US dollars there.
one hopes this is the beginning of the end for such restrictions. however, there is opposition to any such moves in Congress.
initially, the relatively small changes made prompted two Democrat senators, Bill Nelson of Florida and Bob Menendez of New Jersey, to consider opposing the spending bill. tight oversight of the changes was promised in exchange for their votes. both senators ultimately backed the bill.
first, restrictions on travel to Cuba by US residents with relatives in Cuba have been eased. Cuban-Americans can now travel to Cuba once a year (instead of once every three years under Bush.) also, the two-week maximum duration of their stay has been lifted.
second, the definition of "relative" has been broadened to include uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces, meaning more Cuban-Americans will be able to travel to Cuba than under the more restrictive definition used by Bush (only parents, grandparents, children and siblings counted as relatives).
third, US residents traveling to Cuba will be able to spend more dollars there (up to $179.00 per day).
and fourth, the policy of expecting Cuba to pay for agricultural and medical goods in the US before the cargo was loaded onto ships headed for Cuba has been ended. instead, the pre-Bush policy where payment was expected when the goods reached Cuba is back in effect (this is the method favored by U.S. farmers and exporters because it makes trade easier).
US Citizens still have great limitations on their ability to go to Cuba and spend US dollars there.
one hopes this is the beginning of the end for such restrictions. however, there is opposition to any such moves in Congress.
initially, the relatively small changes made prompted two Democrat senators, Bill Nelson of Florida and Bob Menendez of New Jersey, to consider opposing the spending bill. tight oversight of the changes was promised in exchange for their votes. both senators ultimately backed the bill.
posted by Yimboro | 8:22 PM
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