Cuban American

Cuban American
Group	Cuban American
Native name	Cubanoamericanos
Native name lang	es
Population	2,435,573 (2022 ACS estimate)
Popplace	Florida, New Jersey, California, Texas, New York
Langs	American English, Spanish
Rels	Predominantly Roman Catholic, with significant minorities of Protestants, Santería practitioners, and unaffiliated
Related	Spanish Americans, Other Hispanic and Latino Americans

Cuban American. Cuban Americans are Americans who trace their ancestry to Cuba. The community is one of the largest and most politically influential Hispanic groups in the United States, with a significant demographic and cultural presence concentrated primarily in South Florida, especially Miami-Dade County. Their history is deeply shaped by waves of migration following the Cuban Revolution of 1959, which established a communist state under Fidel Castro.

History of Cuban Immigration to the United States

The first major wave of Cuban immigrants arrived in the 19th century, with figures like José Martí organizing the independence movement from Tampa and Key West. Following the Cuban Revolution, a large exodus began, starting with elites and professionals from Havana who fled the new government of Cuba. This period was marked by the Cuban exile and facilitated by programs like the Freedom Flights and the dramatic Mariel boatlift of 1980. Later migrations included those fleeing economic hardship during the Special Period after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with many risking the Straits of Florida on makeshift rafts. Key federal policies, such as the Cuban Adjustment Act and the wet feet, dry feet policy, created a unique pathway to legal residency for Cuban nationals reaching U.S. soil.

Demographics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over two-thirds of all Cuban Americans reside in Florida, with immense communities in Miami, Hialeah, and Tampa. Significant populations also exist in Union City, West New York, Los Angeles, and Houston. The community has one of the highest rates of naturalization among immigrant groups and exhibits higher median household incomes and educational attainment compared to some other Latino subgroups. Spanish remains the predominant language spoken at home, contributing to the vibrant bilingual character of cities like Miami.

Culture

Cuban American culture is a fusion of Spanish, African, and other influences, manifesting strongly in music, cuisine, and religion. Celebrations like the Calle Ocho Festival in Little Havana showcase traditions such as salsa music, son cubano, and the sounds of the Buena Vista Social Club. Culinary staples include Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, pastelitos, and café cubano. Religious practice encompasses Roman Catholicism, often syncretized with the Yoruba-derived practices of Santería. This cultural output is evident in institutions like the Cuban Museum of Arts and Culture and the work of groups like the Miami City Ballet.

Notable Cuban Americans

The community has produced prominent figures across diverse fields. In entertainment and arts, notable individuals include singer Gloria Estefan, actor Andy García, television host Christina Saralegui, and comedian George Lopez. In politics, figures such as Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and former HUD Secretary Mel Martínez have held high office. The business world features executives like Alberto Ibargüen of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and developer Jorge Pérez. Sports legends include Major League Baseball stars José Canseco and Liván Hernández, while literary voices include authors Cristina García and Oscar Hijuelos.

Politics and Social Issues

Cuban Americans have historically been a core Republican constituency, strongly influenced by anti-communist sentiment and support for a hardline stance against the Cuban government. This is reflected in support for the U.S. embargo against Cuba and policies like the Helms–Burton Act. Organizations such as the Cuban American National Foundation and the U.S.-Cuba Democracy PAC have been influential in shaping foreign policy. In recent years, generational shifts and changing demographics have led to more diverse political views, particularly among younger Cuban Americans born in the United States, with increasing support for Democratic candidates and engagement on domestic issues like immigration reform and healthcare.

Economic Impact

Cuban Americans have had a substantial economic impact, particularly in transforming Miami into a major international banking, trade, and cultural hub with strong ties to Latin America. Early exiles, often with capital and business acumen, established thriving enterprises in real estate, construction, media, and healthcare, founding institutions like Univision and Bacardi. The community’s entrepreneurial drive is evident in vibrant commercial districts like Little Havana and Coral Gables. Their economic influence extends to political advocacy through groups like the Latin Builders Association and has been critical in developing South Florida’s tourism and international trade sectors.

Category:American people of Cuban descent Category:Hispanic and Latino American