Latino Americans: Timeline | Latino Americans

In the spring, Fidel Castro announces that any Cuban who wishes to leave may do so. Shortly after this declaration, a ramshackle armada sails from South Florida to the port of Mariel.

Over a period of five months, more than 125,000 Cubans arrive in South Florida.

The newly arrived Cubans are quickly branded as mentally ill or criminal, following a CBS News story. Although only 4 percent are from mental hospitals, more than 25,000 have criminal records.

The media perpetuates the stereotype of mentally ill or criminal in shows and movies, such as Miami Vice and Scarface.

The English-only campaign comes roaring back, with Emmy Shafer again at the helm. In the 1980 election, voters approve the ordinance to end official bilingualism.

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