Stewart Stogel, NewsMax.com
Sunday, June 27, 2004

Story Continues Below

  One new restriction that has raised mixed emotions in the Cuban-American community is the limit on family visits to the Caribbean island. It will now be limited to one every three years. Under the Clinton administration, such restrictions had been lifted.

Under the new laws, it will be almost impossible for non-Cubans to travel to the country.

Any visit allowed under the regulations will be limited to immediate family members and can last no longer than two weeks.

In addition to the new travel restrictions, the White House has also tightened rules regarding cash transfers and gift packages to Cuba.

One American living in Havana told NewsMax the impending changes have had an effect; "it is becoming increasingly expensive for foreigners to live here," the American explained.

If you are a U.S. citizen in Cuba, most expenses must be conducted on cash basis, since U.S. based credit cards are not accepted she added.

To try and minimize the impact of the new rules, charter air companies are reported to be adding new flights between Miami and Havana to get U.S. citizens now in Cuba back to the States before their institution on Wednesday.

According to the State Department, violators of the new regulations could face penalties of $4,000 in fines for each violation.

Under the new rules, any U.S. citizen/resident will only be able spend $50 a day while in Cuba. Currently, the limit is $167 plus an additional $50 for transportation expenses.

Gifts to Cubans will now be limited to a new list issued by Washington. Items which can be sent include food, medical supplies, radios and batteries...no more.

Currently, anyone with ties to local Cubans may send packages. After June 30, only families with direct ties to Cuban citizens may send packages and only to relatives.

The Bush moves came as a result of findings by a panel the White House appointed late last year to explore ways of increasing the pressure on the Castro government.

Regarding educational exchanges, the new rules will prohibit college students from visiting Cuba to take courses lasting less than 10 weeks. High school students will be barred entirely. As such, many exchanges will probably be cancelled or significantly "modified" explained the State Department.

The Cuban press agency, Prensa Latina, claims the Bush moves will backfire and cost his re-election campaign "key votes" in Florida.

On Saturday, cable TV news broadcast scenes of scenes of families rushing about Havana's Jose Marti Airport in an effort to pay or conclude one last visit before the Wednesday deadline.

Prensa Latina explained its backlash prediction came after an interview with Jacinto Valdes who claims to be the "president" of the "Cuban Workers Association" in Miami.

Aside from the comments eminating from Havana, Cuban diplomats in NYC would offer no additional reaction.

Editor's note: