Editorials. Published Thursday, June 29, 2000, in the Miami Herald
Serious questions remain in his wake
Senator Connie Mack had it just right: ``My heart breaks for the little boy. I had hoped he could have lived the life of freedom that his mother hoped for. I will keep him in my prayers.'' So did we. So will we.
Given when and how he left Miami, the boy's return to Cuba yesterday was anti-climactic. In the minds of many in South Florida, the boy left two months ago, once he was taken from Miami and placed within the grasp of Cuba's diplomats in Washington, D.C.
But he leaves behind serious questions: What next for South Florida's divided communities? Will lawmakers address the obvious need to refine immigration laws to better deal with children? What will be Elián's fate?
We hope only the best for Elián and all his relatives. Whatever the differences, there is little doubt that they love him dearly. We wish Juan Miguel González well also. May he offer a caring upbringing, with free and full control of his son. Having had his parental rights affirmed
by the U.S. courts, it would be tragic for Juan Miguel to lose them to Cuba's authoritarian regime. Foremost, may Elián be able to return to the normal life of a kid -- and not be turned into an icon of a bankrupt communist system. And may Elián's taste of freedom kindle hope for a
free future for all Cuba's children.
Here in South Florida, Elián's legacy includes drawing attention to the capricious authority of the INS. Congress has granted far too much power to the INS to execute harsh immigration laws.
The INS should change the way it treats children. Kids who arrive unaccompanied on these shores -- whether they're fleeing war, genital mutilation or, like Elián, tyranny -- should be entitled to guardian-like advocates and court protections, not subject to the discretion of the INS.
Presidential candidates George W. Bush and Al Gore Jr. endorsed family-court proceedings for Elián. The victor in November should remember that concern, and work to have such proceedings incorporated into immigration law.
And what of South Florida, its Cuban-American community and ethnic divides? Let us learn to debate constructively, to listen, learn from and respect each other. And we can join in prayer that the source of so much of this division -- Fidel Castro -- soon will be gone.
Copyright 2000 Miami Herald |