Open travel to Cuba

Decades of isolationist politics towards Cuba have not worked. It is time for the United States to do away with an antiquated policy that has not succeeded in budging the Caribbean nation.

The U.S. introduced an embargo against Cuba in the 1960’s. Among other restrictions, the embargo bars trade with Cuba and bans most U.S. citizens from traveling there. A measure in the House could and should usher in change.

Last week, the House Agriculture Committee approved a bill that would relax some restrictions. Under the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, all U.S. citizens would be permitted to travel to Cuba. It would also allow for the sale of food to Cuba.

Considering that Cuba is the only nation that the United States bans travel to—but far from the only one it labels an enemy—the bill is a move in the right direction. Both U.S. citizens and the Cuban people would benefit from opening up travel and promoting interaction and exchange.

Opponents of the bill are making tired arguments for denying the right to travel to Cuba. They say that opening the doors to tourism in Cuba would help the Castro communist regime. But this criticsm doesn’t confront a long reality—how a nearly 50-year embargo undermined Cuban family ties and has done nothing to trigger shifts in Cuba.

Of course, the Castro regime must also make changes. It must release dissidents, repair a shameful human rights record and lift a gag on freedom of speech.

But this game of uncle—one the United States does not play with China, for example—has to stop.

Last year, President Obama issued an executive order eliminating all restrictions on travel and remittances for Cuban Americans with family in Cuba. Only federal legislation can open travel to all. We urge Congress to bring U.S. policy towards Cuba into the 21st century by passing this bill.

Decades of isolationist politics towards Cuba have not worked. It is time for the United States to do away with an antiquated policy that has not succeeded in budging the Caribbean nation.

The U.S. introduced an embargo against Cuba in the 1960’s. Among other restrictions, the embargo bars trade with Cuba and bans most U.S. citizens from traveling there. A measure in the House could and should usher in change.

Last week, the House Agriculture Committee approved a bill that would relax some restrictions. Under the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, all U.S. citizens would be permitted to travel to Cuba. It would also allow for the sale of food to Cuba.

Considering that Cuba is the only nation that the United States bans travel to—but far from the only one it labels an enemy—the bill is a move in the right direction. Both U.S. citizens and the Cuban people would benefit from opening up travel and promoting interaction and exchange.

Opponents of the bill are making tired arguments for denying the right to travel to Cuba. They say that opening the doors to tourism in Cuba would help the Castro communist regime. But this criticsm doesn’t confront a long reality—how a nearly 50-year embargo undermined Cuban family ties and has done nothing to trigger shifts in Cuba.

Of course, the Castro regime must also make changes. It must release dissidents, repair a shameful human rights record and lift a gag on freedom of speech.

But this game of uncle—one the United States does not play with China, for example—has to stop.

Last year, President Obama issued an executive order eliminating all restrictions on travel and remittances for Cuban Americans with family in Cuba. Only federal legislation can open travel to all. We urge Congress to bring U.S. policy towards Cuba into the 21st century by passing this bill.

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