The Obama Administration has indicated its willingness to review and revise existing U.S. policies toward Cuba and has already taken a number of important steps toward normalizing relations with Cuba. In March the administration loosened travel restrictions, allowing Cuban Americans to travel back to the island nation freely, while also easing restrictions on remittances, food and medicine. In June, Cuban officials communicated to staff at the State Department that they are willing to restart talks on migration and cooperate with the U.S. on issues of direct mail, drug trafficking and terrorism. The U.S. should engage with the Cuban government while continuing to press for the release of political prisoners and the protection of the Cuban people’s human rights.

In addition to the positive steps taken by the Obama Administration, Congressional leaders have also introduced legislation that would lift the travel ban in its entirety. Passing the "Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act" is a priority for the ELCA and our ecumenical partners. Contact your Senators and Representative today and urge them to co-sponsor this legislation. If they are already supporting the bill, send them a thank-you note."