Abstract: Ever since 2017, Cuban immigration has been at the forefront of U.S. policy discussions. Previously the Wet Foot, Dry Foot policy was in place. This meant if a Cuban immigrant got onto U.S. soil from the sea, they were allowed to stay regardless of status. On January 12th, 2017, President Obama removed this policy, and now Cuban nationals who entered the U.S. illegally were subject to removal. Since then, situations in Cuba have only worsened. Most of the refugees trying to make it across are economic refugees, and those who can afford it try to make it to Mexico and enter the U.S. through there. By April 16th, the U.S. had picked up 180 Cuban refugees who wanted to enter by sea. In addition, Cuba has been hit by the dual shocks of renewed U.S. economic sanctions during the Trump administration and the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the Cuban economy shrinking 11% in 2020.
With the election of President Biden, many Cubans thought the amicable travel relationship between the U.S. and Cuba would return. However, President Biden has imposed extremely tough sanctions against the Cuban government, which has made travel and connections between the two countries difficult. Families in other countries are struggling to send money and resources to family members in Cuba. Furthermore, the Cuban protests over the summer further illustrated the dire need the people are in.

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