18981898U.S.–Cuba Relations
Spanish–American War
The United States enters the war in Cuba, ending nearly four centuries of Spanish colonial rule and beginning a new era of U.S.–Cuba ties.
History
The Cuban Exile Journey.
Preserving the stories, contributions, and legacy of Cuban exiles across generations.
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Era
Early U.S.–Cuba Relations
1898
19021902U.S.–Cuba Relations
Cuban Independence
Cuba becomes a sovereign republic on May 20, 1902, after a period of U.S. military government following the war.
1901–19341901–1934Policy Changes
Platt Amendment
An amendment to Cuba's constitution that defined U.S.–Cuba relations for three decades before being repealed under the Good Neighbor policy.
19401940Policy Changes
Cuban Constitution
Cuba adopts a progressive constitution recognizing civil rights, labor protections, and universal suffrage — a touchstone for later democratic aspirations.
Jan 1, 1959Jan 1, 1959U.S.–Cuba Relations
Castro Takeover
Batista is forced to leave Cuba paving the way for Fidel Castro's forces to enter Havana. Castro promises elections and then reneges on the promises. Within months, the revolution's authoritarian turn drives the first wave of exiles.
Era
First Exile Wave
1959–19621959–1962Migration Waves
Beginning of Exile
Professionals, business owners, and political dissidents flee the new regime, settling primarily in South Florida and the Northeast. *Cubans: An Epic Journey, Chapter 3
19611961U.S.–Cuba Relations
Bay of Pigs Invasion
Brigade 2506, made up of Cuban exiles trained by the CIA, lands at Playa Girón in a failed effort to topple the Castro regime. *Cubans: An Epic Journey, Chapters 3-7
1961–19741961–1974Migration Waves
Cuban Refugee Assistance Program
Created in 1961 to assist Cubans fleeing the Castro regime, this federal program provided healthcare, employment aid, and financial support to over 443,000 refugees through the Cuban Refugee Center located in the Freedom Tower in Miami, FL.
1960–19641960–1964Migration Waves
Operation Pedro Pan
Driven by fear that the government would claim authority over their children’s rights, Cuban parents sent more than 14,000 minors to the United States alone — the largest exodus of unaccompanied children in Western Hemisphere history. *Cubans: An Epic Journey, Chapter 4
19621962U.S.–Cuba Relations
Cuban Missile Crisis
The thirteen-day standoff over Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba brings the world to the brink of nuclear war. The crisis ends with the Soviet Union promising to remove missiles from Cuba and the U.S. promising not to invade Cuba. *Cubans: An Epic Journey, Chapter 8
Era
Migration Programs
19651965Migration Waves
Camarioca Exodus
Cuba briefly opens the port of Camarioca, prompting a small boatlift that pressured both governments toward a more organized migration program. *Cuba: A Chronological History, p. 291
1965–19731965–1973Migration Waves
Freedom Flights
Twice-daily flights between Varadero and Miami bring more than 260,000 Cubans to the United States — one of the largest airborne refugee operations in history. *Cuba: A Chronological History, p. 291
19661966Policy Changes
Cuban Adjustment Act
U.S. law granting Cuban nationals a streamlined path to permanent residency, recognizing the unique nature of the Cuban exile experience. *Cuba: A Chronological History, p. 293
19731973Policy Changes
Miami-Dade Bilingual Services Ordinance
Miami-Dade declares itself officially bilingual and bicultural, recognizing the rapid transformation of South Florida by Cuban exiles.
Era
Mariel Era
19801980Migration Waves
Mariel Exodus
Roughly 125,000 Cubans arrive in South Florida over six months after Castro opens the port of Mariel, reshaping Miami's demographics and economy. *Cubans: An Epic Journey, Chapter 10
19801980FACE Milestones
SALAD Founded
Spanish American League Against Discrimination is established to defend the civil rights and image of Cuban and Hispanic communities in the United States.
19821982FACE Milestones
FACE Founded
Facts About Cuban Exiles is created to defend, preserve, promote, and celebrate the Cuban exile story — countering misrepresentation and elevating Cuban-American achievement.
Original FACE Pamphlet — click to view
19831983FACE Milestones
Tamiami Park Arts Festival
FACE had a major role in the creation of this event, that brought together Cuban artists, writers, and musicians to celebrate their heritage, helping Cuban artists to reestablish their artistic careers in the United States.
Era
Balseros Era
19941994Migration Waves
Rafters Crisis
Tens of thousands of Cubans flee by raft during a summer of economic collapse. Inspite of the U.S. Coast Guard rescuing thousands of rafters, many drowned at sea prompting the US - Cuba migration accord. *Cuba: A Chronological History, p. 348
19961996U.S.–Cuba Relations
Brothers to the Rescue
Two civilian aircraft operated by the humanitarian group are shot down by Cuban MiGs in international airspace, killing four pilots. *Cuba: A Chronological History p. 351
1999–20001999–2000U.S.–Cuba Relations
Elián González Case
The custody battle over a six-year-old Cuban survivor of a rafting tragedy becomes an international flashpoint over freedom, family, and exile. *Cuba: A Chronological History, p. 357
1995–20171995–2017Policy Changes
Wet Foot, Dry Foot Policy
U.S. policy granting protection to Cubans who reached land while returning those intercepted at sea — repealed in the final days of the Obama administration. *Cuba: A Chronological History, p. 349
Era
Recent Migration
2017–20252017–2025Migration Waves
Southern Border Migration
A new wave of Cuban migration, estimated to be 500,000 to 800,000 people, arrives through the southern U.S. border, reflecting deepening crisis on the island.
2007–20252007–2025Policy Changes
Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program
A program enabling U.S. citizens and permanent residents to reunite with eligible family members in Cuba. This program ended December 15, 2025, practically ending Cuban migration to the United States.
Featured Project
2025Oral History Project
FACE Oral History Project
FACE launches its Oral History Project to preserve the testimonies that define the Cuban exile and Cuban American experience for future generations. Thank you to the Knight Foundation for their generous support.
Supported by
*SOURCES: CUBA: CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY BY SAM VERDEJA AND LEONARDO RODRIGUEZ, PUBLISED BY FACE, 2011. CUBANS: AN EPIC JOURNEY BY SAM VERDEJA AND GUILLERMO MARTINEZ, PUBLISHED BY FACE, 2024.
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