Elizabet Rodríguez with her son and ten others set off from a perilous journey to escape poor economic conditions and an oppressive Latin American government. She hoped for a better life in America for her and Elian. They knew the trip would be dangerous and in fact she and all but her six year old son perished on the trip.
Soon after Elian Gonzales reached the United States the Democratic administration attempted to return him to his homeland while Republicans insisted that every legal avenue be exhausted which might give him the opportunity to stay.
Immigration officers took the child from extended relatives and he was returned to his father in Cuba while conservatives howled in protest.
More below thingy
The CATO Institute howled:
Saturday’s Nacht-und-Nebel-style seizure of Elian Gonzalez by armed U.S. agents resembled Munich 1940 more than Miami 2000. The abuses of power and excessive force in this revolting episode epitomize a federal police state that has goose-stepped from Ruby Ridge to Waco and now to Little Havana. ....
Furthermore, the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled April 20 that Elian Gonzalez himself may have the right to seek political asylum in the United States, even against his father’s wishes. The decision that Elian is entitled to a day in court — specifically a May 11 INS asylum appeal hearing — argues against his immediate transfer to his father.
The Republican Congressional Whip Tom Delay complained that the court "fails to provide Elian Gonzalez the due process regularly accorded to those who arrive at our shores seeking American freedom"
Senator McCain told Katie Couric
Well, my position on this is very well known. I think he ought to live in freedom. That's what his mother sacrificed her life for. I do regret, as all of us do, that this issue has become so political and people have, in many respects, pursued their own agendas. But I still think that the young boy ought to be able to remain in freedom. I understand...
Al Gore's publically broke from the Clinton administration on returning Elian with a series of shifting statements which may have alienated enough Florida voters on both sides to allow the 2000 race to be close enough that the Supreme Court could steal the Presidency for George W. Bush.
Now the Illegal Children are a greater threat to this country than Terror Babies.