Texas, a request for political asylum was made by the attorneys of Elian Gonzalez. In it, they stated that Elian has a "well founded fear of persecution" if returned to communist Cuba. The asylum request would hopefully guarantee the stay of Elian in the United States for a few months until his hearing is complete. "Our understanding of the law is, he should not be removed from this country until he has had a full and fair asylum hearing," Elian attorney Roger Bernstien said. But Elian's application for political asylum could not be heard until his admissions application became resolved, which was supposed to be completed on December 23.In Cuba, mass demonstrations took place in Havana as well as fourteen other cities demanding the return of Elian to his homeland and his father. Meanwhile, the United States continued to inform Juan Miguel Gonzalez of U.S. immigration laws so that he could try to reclaim his son. Both federal and international law favor the rights of the surviving parent over that of the intentions of the deceased parent or the rights of any other relative. After weeks of uncertainty about the fate of Elian, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, along with Attorney General Janet Reno, ruled that the boy's father be granted custody and that he be returned to Cuba on Friday, January 14. The INS originally granted temporary custody of Elian to his great-uncle, Lazaro Gonzalez, in Miami until arrangements with the boy's natural father, Lazaro Gonzalez's nephew, could be made. The Miami relatives, however, feel that the child's best interests can only be met here in the United States and are fighting for custody in order to seek asylum for Elian to remain on U.S. soil. Juan Miguel greatly disapproved of any attempt of his Miami relatives to seek asylum stating that they have no claim to custody and that Elian was being "kidnapped" by them. On January 11, 2000, the legal issues involving Elian Gonzalez became even more ...
