Boat lift
“The largest numbers of post-1970 immigrants came from the Caribbean.” (226).
My story begins in the 1980’s when my mother and father migrated to Florida during the Mariel boatlift. This was a mass exodus of Cubans who departed from Cuba‘s Mariel Harbor for the United States between April 15 and October 31, 1980(wiki). Many families used this opportunity to flee the oppression of the Castro regime, but sadly Mr. Castro also took this opportunity to rid himself of many criminals and mentally ill people.
For that reason many U.S. citizen criticized President Carter for the lack of regulation and furthermore as an excuse for prejudice toward the Cuban population. Many of the criminals did contribute to the Cocaine Cowboy days in Miami during the 80’s and 90’s. But of course no one should be judged on the actions of a few.
South Florida and Miami are a mix of Latin cultures from all over the Caribbean and South America. The original migration of 124,779 Cubans transformed Miami into a place where Latin immigrants can flourish and live out comfortable lives.
Your father came here when he was really young. It must have been hard when Fidel Castro took over, which is why your after fleed the country. I like how you mentioned that in your neighborhood it feels like a “free” version of Cuba.
Looking at the pictures it look that many came on boats just to Miami. After the class discussion you help me realize that Cubans came here not just for a better life like others but of government. Your post actaully discuss how America reacted whcih was surprising to me. I neva really look at Spanish people as those had a good life at home regarding finances but you made me see that not everyone was just looking for a place to maek money.