The Obama Administration is planning to return to “people to people policies” with regard to Cuba and expand opportunities for Americans to travel to the island nation, the New York Times reports today. This new Cuba policy would be meant to “loosen restrictions on academic, religious and cultural groups that were adopted under President George W. Bush, and return to the people to people policies followed under President Bill Clinton. Those policies, officials said, fostered robust exchanges between the United States and Cuba, allowing groups — including universities, sports teams, museums and chambers of commerce — to share expertise as well as life experiences.”

If announced, the new Cuba travel policy would expand current avenues for travel to Cuba, rather than create new ones:

“Academic, religious and cultural groups are now allowed to travel under very tight rules. For example, students wanting to study in Cuba are required to stay at least 10 weeks. And only accredited universities can apply for academic visas.

“Under the new policy, such restrictions would be eased, officials said. And academic institutions, including research and advocacy groups and museums, would be able to seek licenses for as long as two years.”

The Times notes that some administration officials still see the policy as “too politically volatile” to announce until after the coming November midterm elections, while others say the policy could be announced before Congress returns in mid-September from its recess.