As long as Washington insists on enforcing the sanctions and its decades-old trade embargo, there's no end in sight for Cuba's worst economic crisis in decades. Cubans are leaving the island in record numbers for better opportunities abroad, mainly in the US, and even a vote by the UN General Assembly calling on the US to end the embargo doesn't seem to be making a difference in stubborn US policy.
In fact, communication between Washington and Havana countries seems like the best path forward, and discussions have already led to the expansion of safe and regular pathways to the US. More must be done to avoid having Cubans deal with the dangers of crossing through Mexico on foot, but building on improved bilateral relations under America's initiative will go a long way to easing migration issues.