Cuban 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.