Before Fidel Castro’s Communist regime took power in Cuba in 1959, only 50,000 Cubans lived in the U.S.
Since then, hundreds of thousands of Cubans have fled the repression and economic problems of their homeland. Today, there are more than one million Cubans in the United States.
Many Cuban-Americans live in New York City, New Jersey, and California. But the vast majority live in and around Miami, Florida. There, about 150 miles from Havana, Cuba’s capital, Cuban culture has taken root.
The heart of Miami’s Cuban community is an area known as Little Havana. Spanish is the language of commerce there, and the Cuban way life prevails. Because many Cuban immigrants are well-educated professionals and skilled workers. Cuban-Americans are among the most prosperous of immigrant groups. They are a vital link between the United States and Latin American business communities, and a powerful political force in Florida and the nation.
American culture has been enriched by such Cuban-Americans as actor Andy Garcia, singer Gloria Estefan, writer Oscar Hijuelos, and the late Desi Arnaz, co-creator of television’s I Love Lucy.
Although some Cuban-Americans look forward to returning to Cuba when Castro’s government collapses and economic conditions improve, most plan to remain in their new homeland.