From Exiles to Minorities: the Politics of the Cuban Community in the United States.

This study compares the impact of the policies of Presidents Carter and Reagan towards Cuba, and towards Latinos and other minorities in the U.S. on the political development in the Cuban communities in the United States. This analysis is achieved by studying the political organizations which emerged in the Cuban community from 1977 to 1985, and the ideological currents and military activities of Cuban Americans during this period. Findings. In the late 1970's, political organizations emerged in the Cuban community that were willing to engage in Dialog with the Cuban government. Carter also promoted politically moderate Cubans into policy and political positions. A coexistentialist approach to the Cuban revolution emerged during this period. Also, instead of referring to themselves as exiles, many Cubans opted for calling themselves "a community." Isolated from the Cuban community which eagerly embraced the opportunity to visit relatives in Cuba, extremist groups turned their focus against Cubans who supported normalization of relations. The result was increased acts of terrorism. With Reagan's more militarized approach towards Central America and the Caribbean anti-Castro organizations re-emerged. Reagan made Cuban Americans key actors in his administration especially in projects specifically aimed at Cuba such as Radio Jose Mart(')i. But in a new development, Republican electoral and ideological strategies included promoting Cuban American c and idates in Florida and into powerful national party positions. Cubans' ideological role has included developing papers on and policy approaches towards Cuba and Central America. Significantly, however, Cubans under the Reagan administration continue to call themselves "Cuban Americans" instead of exiles. The domestic terrorism of the late 1970's subsided with the advent of Reagan. The more militant and independent groups were prosecuted, and the traditional military organizations were incorporated into military plans for Central America. In conclusion, the role of Cubans in the United States is in transition from the traditional role of actors in foreign policies to actors in both foreign and domestic politics.PhDPolitical scienceUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/161040/1/8612639.pd