ruling to the federal court of appeals. She also lifted the Friday, January 14 deadline to allow time for court proceedings; but did not set a new deadline. Government officials also stressed having no intention of forcibly removing Elian. In return, the Miami family's attorney, Spencer Eig, filed a federal lawsuit on January 19 on behalf of Elian. Legal experts said the chances of Elian's attorneys winning in federal court are slim since matters of immigration enforcement are deferred to the attorney general.Back in the Little Havana section of Miami, where the family of Lazaro Gonzalez lives, public support for Elian to stay grew. The supporters felt that all they needed was some time until Congress reconvened on January 24 and considered a special bill granting Elian legal status in the United States. The bill would ultimately remove any INS jurisdiction, allowing Lazaro Gonzalez to seek custody at the state level. Both of Florida's senators, Republican Connie Mack, a supporter of Elian's cause, and Democrat Bob Graham, have urged the INS not to act until Congress can take the issue up. Yet special immigration bills have only had a one percent success rate in the past. And even if such a bill is passed, it has to be ratified by President Clinton who favors the INS's decision of returning Elian. Castro's government condemned the ruling while the people of Cuba once again protested, refering to Cuban refugees in America as beasts. A planned trip to the United States from Cuba by Elian's grandmothers took place on January 28 when they met with Janet Reno to discuss a visit with Elian. The meeting finally took place at the home of Barry University President Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin of Miami. Both sides of the family wanted a neutral location away from media attention. Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin, who remained a neutral party on the Elian dispute, changed her mind in favor of Elian staying in the U.S. after hosting the meeting with the gra...
