Cubans as Model Minority

From The Peopling of NYC

Contents 1 Political Involvement of Cuban Americans 1.1 After facing years of prejudice and discrimination, Cuban-Americans today are perfect examples of a model-minority. Determined to make their way to being a positive political influence in the United States, many politicians have in fact achieved that goal. Each and every day, with the passing of a new law on the local, state, and national level, the influence of Cuban-American politicians cannot go without recognition. Overall, Cuban-Americans have triumphed over their previous hardships and found a way to truly become part of the American system of government and politics. 2 Socioeconomic Perspective: Income and Education 2.1 When compared with other Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites, the 2004 American Community Survey reflects the following information concerning Cubans: 2.2 Cuban political orientation and comparison to other Hispanic groups in the U.S.

Political Involvement of Cuban Americans

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After facing years of prejudice and discrimination, Cuban-Americans today are perfect examples of a model-minority. Determined to make their way to being a positive political influence in the United States, many politicians have in fact achieved that goal. Each and every day, with the passing of a new law on the local, state, and national level, the influence of Cuban-American politicians cannot go without recognition. Overall, Cuban-Americans have triumphed over their previous hardships and found a way to truly become part of the American system of government and politics.

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Robert "Bob" Menéndez currently holds the position as Democratic Senator from New Jersey. Elected in 2006, Menéndez continued his role as a leading representative of the Cuban-American constituency in the United States, and the first Hispanic to ever represent New Jersey in the Senate. Menéndez first served in the New Jersey Legislature as mayor of Union City, and then became a member of the United States House of Representatives as a District Congressman. In 2003, he was the chairman for the House Democratic Caucus and in 2004 was chair of the Democratic Task Force on Education and the Democratic Task Force on Homeland Security. More importantly, as the first Hispanic to represent the state of New Jersey in the United States Senate, Senator Robert Menéndez is a paradigm for the achievements of Cuban-Americans in the United States.

Albio Sires is a Cuban-American Democratic Party politician and the current Member of the United States House of Representatives from New Jersey's 13th congressional district. He was elected on November 7, 2006 to fill the remainder of Bob Menéndez's term as Congressman after Menéndez was appointed by Governor Jon Corzine to fill his vacant Senate seat, and was sworn in on November 13, 2006.

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Melquíades Rafael Martínez, or better known as Mel Martínez, is a United States Senator from Florida as well as the General Chairman of the Republican Party. Elected in 2004, Martínez was one of the first Hispanic Senators to represent Florida since 1977. First a successful lawyer, Martínez pursued his interest in the law by working in various political offices. By 2000 he was the co-chairman of George W. Bush election campaign as well as his leading fundraiser. By the time the 2004 elections had come around, his Cuban background enhanced his popularity among Florida’s constituents. Mel Martínez is a great representative for Cuban-American political success.

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Congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1992 representing Florida’s 21st congressional district. Previously a lawyer and state representative, Díaz-Balart quickly made his way up the political ladder and even became the first Hispanic in history to sit on the House Rules Committee in 1994. Since then, he has continued to serve his constituents as well as take on work for Hispanic immigrants, which earned him respect among his congressional colleagues. Overall, Díaz-Balart is a powerful example of a Cuban-American who has achieved great success within the American political system.

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Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart was elected to the United States House of Representatives for Florida’s 25th district in 2002. He is Lincoln Díaz-Balart's younger brother. Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, Díaz-Balart was a member of Florida’s state legislature. There he was the first Hispanic to serve as Chair of the Combined Appropriations / Ways and Means / Finance and Tax Committee, and was even ranked “The Most Effective Legislator” in all of Florida. In addition, he is an advocate for equal opportunity and minority representation in all aspects of politics. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart represents Cuban-American achievement in the United States.

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¡No me digas!: Perhaps more than any other U.S. politicians, the Díaz-Balart brothers have led the charge to maintain the U.S. embargo against Cuba and have been consistent opponents of the communist regime of Fidel Castro. Guess what? Their aunt Mirta Díaz-Balart was once married to none other than Fidel Castro! It turns out that their father and grandfather, both named Rafael Díaz-Balart, were politicians under Cuba's previous dictator Fulgencio Batista. In 1948, a youthful lawyer named Fidel Castro Ruz married Mirta Díaz-Balart, the younger Rafael's sister. Needless to say, the marriage did not last long, but the union did produce a son, "Fidelito," whose full name is none other than: Fidel Castro Díaz-Balart.

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Socioeconomic Perspective: Income and Education

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When compared with other Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites, the 2004 American Community Survey reflects the following information concerning Cubans:

• have a higher level of education, median household income and rate of home ownership than most other Hispanic groups.

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Cuban political orientation and comparison to other Hispanic groups in the U.S.