There has been a recent push to ease the Cuban Trade Embargo, and current bills to ease travel and trade between the U.S. and Cuba are expected to soon be referred to the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees. In March 2007, the Senate Finance Committee requested the U.S. International Trade Commission to conduct an investigation regarding the effect on U.S. travel and trade restrictions with Cuba. In response to that request, the ITC issued its 180-page report last week, which is now available online.

Despite the wheels now in motion, Cuban cigars are still illegal for U.S. citizens. However, the crime of smoking Cuban cigars is not seen as being very serious. The more serious the crime, the more effort is expended by law enforcement to control violators. Everyone who drives over the speed limit cannot be fined or arrested, but flagrant violators will eventually be caught. Celebrities, politicians, and others can be seen buying and/or smoking Cuban cigars in public. In online videos, you even can watch some of those folks smoking Cuban cigars in places like New York City, while others are seen purchasing Cuban cigars while visiting abroad. However, this does not make it legal, and does not mean that you should do it, also.

For more on the history and reasons for the Cuban Trade Embargo, as well as reasons to finally put an end to the embargo, read our latest article entitled, "Why Cuban Cigars Are Illegal in the U.S."