It’s goes back to who is the leader of Cuba and what sort of government they have. The leader is basically a dictator. If leader would resign then things would change. Do I agree with how it’s being handled? No. But it is the reason.
Cuba is backed by Russia and Cuba is on the door step of the US. The Cuban missile crises created a major problem. End of that, Russia agreed not to put missile there and the US agreed not to go into Cuba. And Cuba sits in the middle dying. Yes I worded that poorly but you get the idea.
Russia would love to expand their presence there. Honestly I’m not sure what a realistic answer is, but if there were actual fair elections there things would change. But they are too close to the border to allow Russia in there.
Short of medical, there shouldn’t be exemptions. Sorry if that offends anyone. No I take that back, I’m not sorry.