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Press Release

U.S. Rep. Castor: The Trump Administration’s Announcement of New, Hardline Restrictions on Cuba Brings Pain to Families, Hurts Growing Cuban Private Sector

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the Trump administration’s announcement of new, hardline restrictions on remittances and travel to Cuba and the full enforcement of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act:

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the Trump administration’s announcement of new, hardline restrictions on remittances and travel to Cuba and the full enforcement of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act:

“Trump’s harsh policy will do nothing but bring pain to families, hurt the growing Cuban private sector, alienate our closest allies and diminish our ability to promote democracy and human rights in Cuba.

“Trump’s restrictions on the amount of money Cuban Americans can send to their family members in Cuba is particularly cruel at a time when the administration has in essence closed the door to Cuban refugees and asylum seekers.  Trump’s empty embassy in Havana has led to fewer human rights officers in the country and has made it harder and harder for Cubans to get through the red tape to visit or reunite with their family members here in the U.S.  I hear this directly from families I represent in Tampa every day.

“Since the U.S. reestablished diplomatic ties with Cuba, thousands of Americans, including many families from my own community, have visited and numerous businesses have explored new markets.  These activities have not only opened new economic opportunities for Americans and Cubans alike, they serve as an integral part of our efforts to promote the spread of democracy and ensure the security of our region.

“Unfortunately, the Trump administration has once again doubled down on its return to Cold War policies that have failed for the past 60 years and have done nothing to help the Cuban people.  Instead, America should be focused on supporting Cuba’s growing private sector by encouraging more Americans to travel to Cuba rather than adding burdensome restrictions on Americans, cultural exchanges and businesses.”

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