College - Author 1
College of Liberal Arts
Department - Author 1
World Languages and Cultures Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BA in Spanish
Date
6-2026
Primary Advisor
Karen Muñoz-Christian, College of Liberal Arts, World Languages and Cultures Department
Abstract/Summary
This project examines how Cuban immigrants, particularly those who fled the Fidel Castro regime, developed political perspectives after migrating to the United States. By focusing on Cuban immigrant communities, this project seeks to understand how experiences under a communist government and migration have shaped political beliefs. Within the United States, Cuban-Americans have become one of the most politically active Latino communities. As a Spanish and Political Science double major with Cuban family ties, this project represents both my academic interests and my own family experiences. Growing up, I listened to political conversations at family gatherings that seemed to consume the entire room. As a child, hearing the loud accents and passionate voices discussing politics sounded more like arguments– or screaming matches– than normal conversations. However, as I grew older, I realized this was my family’s normal way of expressing themselves and communicating their opinions. Listening to these stories and debates inspired me to further research the relationship between migration and political ideology.
Throughout this project, I research the history of the Cuban Revolution and the overall Cuban exile experience. I analyze personal narratives regarding life in Cuba, the migration process, adaptation to life in the United States, and political perspectives. By combining research with personal testimonies, this project seeks to better understand how historical and personal experiences continue to influence identity and political ideology within Cuban-American communities.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mllsp/74