The Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement regarding the Trump administration’s decision to further limit the ability of U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba.
“Suspending flights from the United States to all destinations outside of Havana is yet another cruel and counterproductive policy put forth by this administration.
“Over 20 years ago, members of the Congressional Black Caucus created a program to recruit young African American and Latino students to attend medical school in Cuba at no cost. Over the years, hundreds of students have been trained with the commitment to return to the United States and work in underserved communities. These young doctors provide health care to the most vulnerable among us. This new policy from the Trump administration can impact these students’ ability to freely return home for exams and to visit their families.
“Furthermore, this policy will impact our economy by making it harder for Americans to do business with and travel to Cuba. This administration’s approach to trade, tourism, and family remittances not only hurts ordinary Cubans, but will ultimately lead to a slowdown of business for U.S. companies.
“What possible impact could restricting these flights have for the national security interest of the United States? This arbitrary move seems more intent on reversing the Obama legacy than achieving any foreign policy goals.”
