Defining the Social Problem

1. Defining the Social Problem

NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF THE U.S. TRADE AND TRAVEL BAN ON CUBAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS.

2. Gathering evidence of the problem

Shortage of essential resources in Cuba: Cuban government policy of rationing food, medicine and oil since mid 1960�s in order to compensate for the U.S. trade ban. Over the last decade this has dramatically increased due to the collapse of the Soviet Union and has led to the suffering of millions of Cubans. Refugees: Consistent flow of political refugees from Cuba to the U.S. seeking political asylum; i.e. Mariel Boatlift of 1980 and the open migration policy of 1994. �

3. Gathering evidence of the problem

Terrorism: Terrorist activities perpetuated by Cuban political refugees, specifically the Cuban-American National Foundation (CANF) against the people of Cuba as admitted by Luis Posada Carrilles, an anti-Castro activist trained by the CIA (NY Times). International Opinion: For the past five years the United Nations General Assembly has held a vote regarding the U.S. trade ban. By an increasingly overwhelming majority, the general assembly has voted for a recommendation asking the U.S. government to discontinue the embargo.

4. Identifying the causes of the problem

U.S. federal legislation throughout the 1990�s regarding the trade and travel ban. Mack Amendment: Prohibits all trade with Cuba by subsidiaries of U.S. companies located outside the U.S., and proposes sanctions against any country that buys sugar or other products from Cuba.

5. Identifying the causes of the problem

Cuban Democracy Act: Strengthens Mack Amendment by allowing only private groups to food and medicine to Cuba. At this time, 70% of Cuba�s trade with U.S. subsidiary companies was in food and medicine. Many claim the Act is a clear violation of international law.

6. Identifying the causes of the problem

Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act (Helms-Burton Act): Imposes penalties on foreign companies doing business in Cuba, permits U.S. citizens to sue foreign investors who make use of American-owned property seized by the Cuban government, and denies entry into the U.S. to such foreign investors.

7. Evaluating existing public policies

Helms-Burton Act Advantages of this policy: Congressional leaders have argued that it increases the likelihood of Castro�s removal from power and the end of the Communist regime in Cuba. Garners support from members of the Cuban-American community by illustrating the U.S. commitment towards eliminating the present regime in Cuba.

8. Evaluating existing public policies

Disadvantages of this policy: Lack of effectiveness. (Castro still in power four years after Act was passed.) Law has dramatically increased the economic burden of the Cuban people, especially in the areas of food and medicine. Enforcement of the Act has been difficult, as many European nations, (including strong American allies) refuse to follow the law, claiming it violates international law and may cause problems if not revoked. Decreasing public acceptance. In February of 1999, a significant coalition of former congressmen and humanitarian organizations called upon the Clinton administration to end the embargo.

9. Developing public policy solutions

Call for a presidential executive order expanding trade with Cuba in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and information. Call for a presidential legislative proposal asking Congress to lift the ban on exporting food and medicine to Cuba (H.R. 256 was introduced in January of 1999 asking to do just that and almost passed.) Call for the repeal of the Helms-Burton Act

10. These public policy solutions could be actively pursued by a coalition at the national level such as the Americans for Humanitarian Trade With Cuba joining the United States Association of Former Members of Congress and the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus in pushing the new administration to consider these alternatives.

11. Selecting the best public policy solution

Social problem: Negative consequences of U.S. Trade and Travel Ban on Cuban-U.S. Relations Presidential Executive Order (P.E.O.) Legislative Proposal (L.P.) Repeal of Helms-Burton Act (REPEAL)