Obama lifts Cuban-American travel and remittance restrictions

President Barack Obama directed his administration on April 13, 2009 to lift all restrictions on Cuban-Americans visiting family in Cuba and on remittances to Cuban relatives, fulfilling a campaign pledge. The Bush administration had limited Cuban-Americans to one trip per year and $1,200 in annual cash transfers to needy family members. Obama also authorized licenses for US telecommunications companies to provide telephone and television service to the island. The announcement came as Obama prepared to attend the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago.