The OpenCuba.org campaign reached a major milestone last week: More than 50,000 people signed a petition asking the Obama administration and Congress to give all Americans the freedom to travel to Cuba.

Since its launch on May 11, the campaign has attracted a broad spectrum of support. Endorsements have rolled in from the Cuban American Alliance Education Fund, the Cuban American Commission for Family Rights, the National Federation Trade Council, the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and other organizations. See all endorsements 

Barney Harford, President and CEO of Orbitz Worldwide, is planning to deliver the petition to U.S. lawmakers and government officials later this year. Both houses of Congress are considering bills that would end the 50-year travel ban.

News of the petition reaching 50,000 signatures reinforces results from a recent Orbitz-Ipsos poll that shows 67% of Americans say that they would support a policy that would allow all Americans to travel to Cuba. Furthermore, 72% agree that expanding travel and tourism from the U.S. to Cuba would have a positive impact on the day-to-day lives of the Cuban people. More about the poll

Human Rights Watch also advocates opening travel to Cuba, and we hope you will too. Please sign the petition and email 5 of your friends about it too. We believe passionately in the power of travel to transform lives. And we believe that people should have the freedom to travel wherever they choose.