2016 changes to CACR, coupled with the arrangement recently announced by the Departments of State and Transportation allowing scheduled air service between the United States and Cuba, will significantly increase the ability of U.S.  citizens to travel to Cuba to directly engage with the Cuban people.  Additionally, these regulations expand Cuba and Cuban nationals’ access to U.S. financial institutions and the U.S. dollar from Cuba, and will expand the ability for Cubans legally present in the United States to earn stipends and salaries beyond living expenses.  These amendments further the new direction toward Cuba that President Obama laid out in December 2014.  The changes are outlined below and will take effect on March 16, 2016, when the regulations are published in the Federal Register.