The Dilemma of Elian Gonzalez

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The Dilemma of Elian Gonzalez

Although the public discussion was called "The Dilemma of Elian Gonzalez, it actually encompassed a lasting hostility between a democratic nation and a communist island.

Each speaker presented evidence either for, but mostly against, granting Elian political asylum; all agreed that his custody battle needed to be separated from the uncompromising and strained relationship that exists between the United States and Cuba. The panel members included a Cuban diplomat, a Cuban graduate student, and two UVA law professors. Throughout the two hour discussion, passionate patriotism emerged from the two Cuban speakers as they discussed their personal opinions. Conversely, the American professors remained somewhat more stoic as they briefly reviewed American family law and human rights policy. It is likely that the audience members left better educated concerning the political circumstances surrounding Elian’s custody dispute and possibly with changed opinions.

Johanna Tablada, a Cuban diplomat in Washington, D.C., was the most passionate speaker. "I want him to go back sooner than later, every minute that passes is outrageous," she said at the onset of her talk. Prior to her trip to Charlottesville, she had spoken with Elian’s maternal grandmother, Raquel Rodriguz, and paternal grandmother, Mariela Quintana. Johanna shared the "factual information" she received from their conversations with the small group gathered in Clark Hall, as well as her personal outrage.

Elian was found off the Florida Coast, clinging to an inner tube, on Thanksgiving Day. Johanna adamantly argued that following this type of traumatic event he needs to be

with his close relatives. Elian’s mother "never even met ...

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... (INS) general counsel, he presented a few issues which have bearing on this case. The technical question remains, "Is this child actually applying for admission to the United States?" he said. "Who speaks for the child?" he added. The INS ruled that the father appropriately speaks for the child, meaning that he has legal standing.

Although the INS ordered that Elian should be returned to Cuba, Elian’s relatives living in Miami and many Americans are fighting to grant him political asylum. Professor martin specifically addressed the concern that remains in the minds of many, whether Elian’s father can express his free will in a country where freedom of speech is extremely limited. He acknowledged that human rights situation in Cuba is less than preferable, by American standards. Despite this fact, "I think that he should go back," he said under his breath.

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