The Cuban Adjustment Act Of 1966

Background of the Cuban Adjustment Act

In 1959 Fidel Castro overthrew the U.S. backed government in Cuba led by Fulgencia Batista and subsequently declared himself a communist. This aligned Cuba with the Soviet Union, which at that time was a geopolitical rival with the United States as the Cold War was in full swing. The new Castro regime then went on to target their perceived enemies, including members of the religious, professional, educated and middle classes. These groups of people began leaving Cuba in droves. As the economy worsened, others sought to leave Cuba as well. Many of these refugees headed for the shores of the United States, since Florida lies just 90 miles away across the ocean.