In the final days of his presidency, U.S. President Joe Biden has announced plans to remove Cuba from the U.S. terrorism list, potentially easing the sanctions that have contributed to the island nation’s ongoing economic crisis.
If the changes hold, they would represent the most significant advancement in U.S.-Cuba relations since the Obama administration’s efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Biden’s administration revealed plans to reverse many of the sanctions imposed by former President Donald Trump during his tenure, including the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. This move would alleviate restrictions on Cuba, which has been struggling with severe economic challenges.
According to a senior administration official, Biden’s plan also aims to undo a 2017 Trump executive order that limited financial transactions with certain Cuban military and government entities.
In response to the announcement, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel revealed that his government intends to gradually release 553 prisoners, following discussions with Pope Francis.
Biden and Trump’s teams have reportedly been in communication regarding the matter, and while the changes are subject to review by Congress and the incoming Trump administration, they reflect a potential shift in U.S.-Cuba relations.
Cuba has long been criticized by human rights organizations, the United States, and the European Union, particularly after the arrest of hundreds of protesters during the July 2021 unrest.
Cuban officials have framed the release of prisoners as a reflection of the country’s humanitarian judicial system, but the government has also accused the U.S. of continuing an “economic war” against Cuba, pointing out that the long-standing trade embargo remains in effect.
Despite potential changes, former President Trump may try to reimpose sanctions on Cuba once he assumes office. Biden’s team has argued that the new measures are in the best interest of U.S. national security and could hasten Cuba’s transition to democracy.
Cuba has been negotiating prisoner amnesty with Vatican officials since at least 2023, with the Vatican playing a key role in previous talks that led to the restoration of U.S.-Cuba relations during President Obama’s administration.
Short-term, Biden’s new policies could offer Cuba some relief in the face of ongoing shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and electricity, which have driven record numbers of Cubans to leave the country, with many seeking refuge in the United States.
