Why Cuban-Americans Vote Republican?

Cuban experience varies significantly compared to the experiences of other Hispanic/Latin population entering the United States during the twentieth century. Based on various studies Cuban-Americans not only differ from the majority of Hispanic population in United States in terms of education and dispersion, they also differentiate themselves in their political views. According to Girard, Grenier, and Gladwin “despite a two-to-one preference for the Democratic Party among Hispanics, about two-thirds of Cuban-American voters have identified as Republicans”(P42). To identify possible reasons for Cuban-Americans political orientation we have to consider their immigration experience. 

Majority of Cuban-Americans entered United States as refugees after the 1959 Cuban Revolution lead by Fidel Castro. Initially, Castro pronounced Cuba as socialist state, however, later gravitated towards communism. The initial wave of refugees were primarily wealthy, upper middle class, and educated Cubans, who refused or were reluctant to comply with the new political order. Needless to say, remaining in Cuba, along with the oppression and restrictions of their freedom, would mean to comply with the new government and in many cases sacrifice their financial position within the Cuban society. Fidel Castro’s siding with Soviet Union during the 1960, just amplified United States anti-communist political agenda. As response to the Cuban ties to Soviet Union United States government created a special program allowing Cubans to “escape” the communist regime and build a new life in the United States. Cubans, being refugees, qualified for many programs and benefits provided by United States (http://www.rcusa.org/post-arrival-assistance-and-benefits ). This is one of the most significant factors that differentiate Cuban-Americans immigration experience from immigration experience of any other Latin American group. In return Cubans “escape” from the regime was highly publicized by United States providing the fuel for its anti-communist agenda.

                            

              http://www.nps.gov/history/heritageinitiatives/latino/latinothemestudy/images/Refugee%20airlift.jpg

Historically, majority of the wealthy population tends to side with the more conservative political parties, which in the case of United States political system would mean siding/supporting the Republican Party. Further, “scholars have noted that the Republican Party’s hardline rhetoric regarding foreign policy resonates with anti-Castro, anti-communist politics in the Cuban-American community” (“Exile Politics and Republican Party Affiliation”, P43). Cuban-Americans seem to focus primarily on foreign policy while according to Girard, Grenier, and Gladwin’s article the non-Cuban Hispanics are more likely to concentrate on the domestic concerns, such as: education, governmental assistance, civil rights, bilingualism, and race. A very significant factor influencing these views could be the fact that Cuban-American community failed to disperse within United States; the majority of Cuban-Americans to this day reside in southern Florida. This significantly altered the demographics of that particular area (Dade County, Fl.). As well as the fact that as refugees Cuban-Americans received a different “preferential” treatment from United States government, which is not to be compared to any other Hispanic/Latino group immigration experience.

Today, however, the researchers have identified a new trend in Cuban-American voting. Things began to change in the late twentieth century and there is supporting research indicating that Cuban-Americans are more and more identifying with the Democratic Party (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/06/24/after-decades-of-gop-support-cubans-shifting-toward-the-democratic-party/). This could have various root causes. One of the possible causes could be the fact that the new generations of Cuban-Americans have different political views compared to their parents and grandparents. Further, the newly arriving Cubans seem to be more likely to support Democrats than Republicans. Another possible reason could be the fact that the conflict with Cuba has lost its momentum over the years and that recent changes in the foreign policy regarding Cuba cause a change resulting in focus on domestic issues. Overall, it is safe to say that the long-term somewhat rigid Republican Party identification of Cuban-Americans is beginning to break up and their voting patterns are changing.

Works Cited:

Girard, Chris, Guillermo J. Grenier, and Hugh Gladwin. "Exile Politics And Republican Party Affiliation: The Case Of Cuban Americans In Miami*." Social Science Quarterly (Wiley-Blackwell) 93.1 (2012): 42-57. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Apr. 2015.