Only Congress can end all restrictions on travel, but on January 21 President Obama can use his authority to provide general (no need to apply) licenses for twelve categories of non-tourist travel including family (Cuban American), educational, humanitarian, religious, sports, culture, and “support for the Cuban people”.
If he also did away with the special status of Travel Service Providers, any American agent or tour operator could work with local groups to organize non-tourist travel.
While 2/3 of Americans, including of Cuban Americans,and virtually every country in the world, would approve, he is under lots of pressure from the hard liners in Miami not to do even this.
A simple way to make your opinion heard is to sign our on line letter at
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/obamacuba/
Even better, if you know anyone among his personal advisers or in the transition team, ask by phone or e-mail that Cuba be addressed quickly and boldly.
Here’s the transition team list
http://obamacuba.blogspot.com/2008/12/o ... ed-to.html