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Studied by 13 peopleCuban and Cuban American Population in the U.S.
- Current Cuban and Cuban American Population
- As of the 2020 US Census, there are approximately 1.8 million Cubans and Cuban Americans in the U.S.
- 70% of this population resides in Florida, primarily in Miami, which serves as the center of the Cuban American community.
- Significant Cuban American political organizations, cultural institutions, and research centers are located in Florida.
- Little Havana:
- An ethnic enclave in Miami, originally a neighborhood for the first Cuban settlers.
- Boundaries: Seventh Street, Eighth Street, and Twelfth Avenue, known as Calleocho.
- Acculturation and Political Influence
- The Cuban American community has assimilated well into U.S. society, contributing to significant political influence.
- Historically, Cuban Americans have been conservative, predominantly supporting candidates against the Castro regime.
- South Florida boasts one of the largest voting blocs in the U.S., making it crucial for federal elections.
- Economic and Educational Status
- Cuban Americans enjoy greater economic security compared to other Hispanic groups.
- 17% of the Cuban American population has obtained a college degree or higher, surpassing other Hispanic groups (8% Puerto Ricans and 6% Mexican Americans).
- 47% of native-born Cuban Americans attended private schools, reflecting their emphasis on education.
- Economic profiles indicate Cuban Americans are financially better off than other Hispanic groups and similar to the average WASP American.
- Family Structure
- 78% of Cuban American households are two-parent households, similar to U.S. households (80%).
- Average family sizes are nearly identical: 3.18 for Cuban Americans and 3.19 for the overall U.S. population.
- Language Use
- Many Cuban Americans born in the U.S. primarily speak English but often use Spanish at home, leading to the phenomenon of Spanglish.
- Religious Affiliations
- The majority of Cubans in Cuba identify as Roman Catholic or non-religious, due to historical government anti-religious policies.
- Increasing numbers of Cuban Americans are adopting Protestant faiths and some practice Santeria, misrepresented in media as akin to black magic.
- Success as Immigrants
- Cuban Americans are often seen as successful entrepreneurs who have built profitable industries, particularly in Miami.
- Many have leveraged their community connections to establish businesses.
- However, over 33% of Cuban American households live under the poverty line, highlighting economic disparities within the community.
- The concept of the American Dream is not universally achieved among all Cuban Americans.
- Political Context and U.S.-Cuba Relations
- Since 1959, U.S.-Cuban relations have been marked by economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation of Cuba.
- Obama Administration (2014-Present):
- Adopted a diplomatic approach, softening restrictions on travel and remittances.
- Restored diplomatic ties and allowed for unlimited money transfers to Cuba.
- Notable events include Obama’s historic visit to Havana in 2016 and the lifting of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
- Trump Administration (2017-2021):
- Reversed many of Obama's policies, imposing new sanctions and travel restrictions.
- Biden Administration (2021-Present):
- Pledged to ease some restrictions, but the humanitarian crisis and protests in Cuba complicate these efforts.
- Key Takeaways
- Cubans have established a successful immigrant group dynamic in the U.S., with significant political leverage and community influence.
- Understanding the disparities within the Cuban American experience is essential in grasping the broader socio-economic context.
- The relationship between the U.S. and Cuba continues to evolve, influenced by political changes and the changing perspectives of Cuban Americans.
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