Yesterday, the federal district court in Burlington was the scene of a court case that involves U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba, and the personal toll it takes on Cuban-American families.
Federal rules around travel to Cuba have changed periodically over the last several decades. The current rules were put in place in 2004. Three Vermont families of Cuban descent are arguing that the most recent rules are a violation of their civil rights, and that they should be allowed to visit extended family in Cuba more often, particularly in cases of emergency or family illness.
Bruce Edwards is a business reporter for the Rutland Herald. He’s been to Cuba several times and was in the courtroom yesterday.
He spoke with VPR’s Jane Lindholm and says the plaintiffs see this case as the first of its kind challenging the current rules.