On June 27, new restrictions were placed by the Bush administration on American travel to Cuba, limiting individuals to one trip every three years.

The supposed intention is to deny revenue to the Cuban government. What it really comes down to, though, is building support with the far right in the Cuban-American community during an election year.

Not surprisingly, however, recent polls show that half the Cuban-American community in Florida resents the new restrictions.

The U.S. policy of economic sanctions against Cuba has been in effect since the early 1960s, but has not come close to achieving the goal of isolating the island. The policy has not removed Fidel Castro, it has only hurt the Cuban people.

When the economic sanctions were put into place, the world was a much different place. The cold warriors of the two superpowers used Cuba as a battleground. Times have changed, however. The deadly struggle against communism has been won by the West, and the world is moving toward globalization. The U.S. does business all over the world, including nations with Communist governments, like China and Vietnam. Why not Cuba, too?

President Bush has sought to link his presidency in the public mind with that of President Ronald Reagan. But Reagan stressed engagement and bringing about change through the influence of American ideals.

Bush shies from using trade and people-to-people partnerships. His tighter restrictions push Cuba further from democracy. It is time to reevaluate our failed policy.

Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx) is a member of the International Relations Committee, which oversees U.S.-Cuba policy.