MIAMI-FL ( MIAMI INFLUENCER ) - In a move that has reignited fierce debate, President Donald Trump has officially relisted Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. This decision, reversing one of Joe Biden’s final foreign policy actions, comes as no surprise to those who have long criticized Cuba’s government for harboring fugitives, supporting guerrilla groups, and suppressing political dissent. For many in Miami’s Cuban-American community, this is not just a foreign policy shift—it’s a validation of their lived experiences and their ongoing fight for justice.

This action also aligns closely with the critiques recently voiced by Marco Rubio, now serving as Trump’s Secretary of State. Rubio has been a staunch advocate for reforming U.S.-Cuba policies, particularly focusing on inconsistencies in how asylum seekers from Cuba are treated. The relisting of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism is yet another step toward holding Havana accountable and addressing decades of exploitation of U.S. laws.

Cuba’s place on the state sponsor of terrorism list is not just symbolic—it comes with tangible consequences. The designation imposes strict sanctions that limit Cuba’s access to global financial systems and foreign investments, further isolating the regime.

Critics of Biden’s decision to remove Cuba from the list argued that it overlooked Havana’s history of providing safe haven to fugitives and facilitating destabilizing activities in Latin America. Trump’s reinstatement of the designation sends a clear message: the U.S. will not tolerate these actions, nor will it reward empty promises.

This decision also ties into the broader conversation about Cuba’s role in exploiting the U.S. asylum system, a topic that Rubio has passionately highlighted. “Cuba harbors terrorists and suppresses its people while benefiting from loopholes in our laws,” Rubio said during a recent interview. “Relisting them is the first step toward accountability.

Impacts on Miami’s Cuban Community

For Miami, home to the largest Cuban diaspora in the U.S., this decision resonates deeply. The relisting validates long-held concerns about the Cuban government’s oppressive tactics and its impact on the lives of both those on the island and those who fled to seek freedom.

1. Asylum Reform and Integrity:

The relisting underscores the need to address abuses within the asylum system, particularly cases where recipients return to Cuba for vacations or retirement after claiming refuge from persecution. For years, this inconsistency has frustrated Cuban exiles in Miami, who view it as a betrayal of the sacrifices made by those who genuinely fled oppression.

“This decision puts us on the right path,” says Juan Martinez, a retired journalist in Hialeah. “It’s time to tighten the rules and make sure asylum is reserved for those who truly need it, not for those looking to take advantage of the system.”

2. Economic Pressure on Havana:

The designation is expected to further squeeze Cuba’s struggling economy, limiting its ability to engage in international trade and access foreign credit. For families in Miami who send remittances to relatives on the island, the economic fallout could lead to increased financial pressure.

“It’s tough,” admits Rosa Hernandez, a Little Havana resident. “We want to support our families back home, but we also want to see real change in Cuba. You can’t have it both ways.”

3. Strengthening Local Unity:

While the Cuban-American community is often divided on how best to approach U.S.-Cuba relations, Trump’s decision has unified many around the belief that Havana must be held accountable for its actions. Local leaders, including Rubio, have framed the relisting as a necessary stand against authoritarianism.

The Cuban government has predictably denounced the decision, calling it politically motivated and blaming it for worsening the country’s economic woes. But for Cuban exiles, the response is hollow.

“The regime always blames the U.S. for its failures,” says Ana Gonzalez, a community organizer in Miami. “This is about their oppression, their corruption, their refusal to change. The U.S. is finally holding them to account.”

The relisting also complicates the Cuban government’s recent efforts to improve its image. Under Biden, Cuba had released over 130 political prisoners as part of a Vatican-brokered deal. However, Trump’s reversal now raises questions about whether further prisoner releases will occur.

Trump’s decision to relist Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism is more than a political maneuver—it’s a reaffirmation of America’s commitment to justice and the rule of law. For Miami’s Cuban community, this move represents a step toward closing loopholes, addressing inconsistencies, and ensuring that asylum and U.S. foreign policy serve their intended purposes.

As Rubio takes on his role as Secretary of State, there is hope that this action will be the first of many aimed at reforming U.S.-Cuba relations. Whether through stricter asylum rules, tighter travel restrictions, or a reevaluation of the Cuban Adjustment Act, the goal is clear: to restore fairness, integrity, and accountability.

For Miami’s Cuban-Americans, this isn’t just about policy. It’s about preserving the sacrifices of those who fled oppression and ensuring that future generations can trust in the principles of justice and freedom that brought them to the United States.

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