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Bibi Moreno Velazco

Professor Starkey

Political Science

May 21, 2017

Cuban Immigrants

Typically, when the word immigrant comes to mind people automatically think of

Mexican immigrants, but there are actually a variety of races in the United States as

immigrants. In fact, many Spanish-speaking immigrants coming from different places in

Central America are categorized under Mexican immigrants; Cuban immigrants are

amongst one those races. Cuban immigrants, however, classify themselves differently

and view themselves as a unique group of people.

Cuban immigrants began migrating to the United States many decades ago due to

economic or political issues. Much of this migration started around the eighteenth

century, not too long after Columbuss arrival. It was around this time that Cubans started

to migrate to Florida and through the United States Gulf Coast. Aside from wanting to be

in better economic standing, many Cubans were migrating to the U.S. because of the lack

of independence. Many Cubans came to the United States during the time they were

trying to overthrow the Batista regime. Even then Cuban immigration to the U.S. did not

come to a complete halt with Cuban independence (Barkan). What started off as

immigration for certain needs became immigration for certain wants. Cuban immigrants

mainly continue to migrate to the United States to seek a certain lifestyle.

Like most immigrants, Cubans started migrating to the United States due to a

mutltitude of reasons. They are a distinguishable group of immigrants because they

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consider the U.S. to be their homeland(Orchowski). Although they are more like

Hispanics, they actually classify themselves with whites. Cuban immigrants tend to have

higher education level, greater income, and a higher chance of owning homes. There is a

total of about 1.5 million Cuban immigrants in the United States, which is only about

four percent of all Hispanics. In fact, Cuban immigrants are currently the seventh

largest (Rusin, Zong, and Batalova) group. The five states they are mainly found in are

Florida, New Jersey, New York, California, and Texas. The majority of them, in fact,

about two thirds of them live in Florida. Typically when they migrate it tends to be in

huge waves as opposed to the constant group of migration.

Unlike Hispanic immigrants, Cuban immigrants have a much greater status in the

U.S. Not only are Cuban immigrants more likely to be economically successful, but they

also have a much higher chance of being allowed into the United States. With the CAA,

Cuban Adjustment Act, which was passed in 1966 Cubans who have been in the U.S. for

at least a year are allowed a permanent residence. With the recent immigration issues

Trump is attempting to put into place, Cuban immigrants would not be as affected.

Trump is attempting to put an end to immigration from Syria and Central America;

however, Cubans have a Trump card (Robles) meaning that under the law they are able

to live in the United States and apply for a green card upon arrival. This is much more

different than the previous policy placed in the 90s, which is when a policy known as

wet-foot, dry-foot came into place. This policy stated that if Cubans were intervened at

sea they would return to Cuba.

In their own opinion, Cuban immigrants are not like other immigrant groups.

They are known to have higher success and opportunity than most Hispanic immigrant
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groups even if it is only slightly higher. Being in higher position in their minds along

with the minds of others is what makes them a unique group of people. Cuban

immigrants seem to have a less difficult time gaining residency or permission to live in

the United States.

Work Cited

"Cuban Immigrants in the United States." Migrationpolicy.org. N.p., 02 Mar. 2017. Web.

21 May 2017.

"Cuban Immigration to the United States after Independence, 18981940." Immigrants in

American History: Arrival, Adaptation, and Integration. Ed. Elliott Robert

Barkan. Vol. 1. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2013. 309. Gale Virtual

Reference Library. Web. 21 May 2017.

GREENHOUSE, , STEVEN. "FLIGHT FROM CUBA: THE OVERVIEW; U.S., IN

NEW POLICY, INTENDS TO DETAIN CUBAN IMMIGRANTS." New York

Times, Aug 19, 1994, ProQuest Central

Robles, Frances. "Fearing Shift in Status, Cubans Rush for Exits and U.S." New York

Times, Jan 10, 2016, ProQuest Central.

Orchowski, Margaret. "Cubans in the U.S. - by the Numbers." The Hispanic Outlook in

Higher Education, vol. 17, no. 9, Feb 12, 2007, pp. 21-23, Education Collection;

Ethnic NewsWatch; ProQuest Central.

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