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February 18, 2000 INS Response to Mr. Juan Gonzalez The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) today informed Mr. Juan Gonzalez, father of Elian Gonzalez, that the INS remains fully committed to reuniting him with his son Elian as soon as possible, consistent with legal procedures. The INS told Mr. Gonzalez that after careful consideration of his request to move Elian, the agency does not plan to change the temporary care arrangements for Elian at this time. The decision was made in response to requests from Juan Gonzalez that Elian be moved from the care of Lazaro Gonzalez and placed in the care of Manolo Gonzalez, both of whom are Juan Gonzalezs uncles. INS emphasized to Mr. Gonzalez that Elians current care arrangements are only temporary while a federal court reviews INS decision. INS stated that the agency shares Mr. Gonzalez concern that Elian be well cared for, and therefore will request information from Lazaro Gonzalez concerning the credentials of any psychiatrist or psychologist who has seen Elian, as well as an explanation of any treatment that may have been prescribed for him. INS also will request information regarding Elians schooling. The INS advised Juan Gonzalez that a Miami-based nongovernmental organization conducted a post-placement visit to verify that Lazaro Gonzalez home was an adequate setting for Elians temporary care. INS indicated that transferring Elian temporarily to a new and unfamiliar environment would not be advisable for the child after already experiencing the trauma of leaving his home in Cuba and losing his mother. Instead, INS will continue to focus its efforts on returning Elian to his father. INS also stated that it is aware of Lazaro Gonzalez past convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol, but that the information INS has at present does not suggest that Lazaro Gonzalez home is not an adequate environment for Elians temporary care at this time. INS is prepared, however, to revisit this issue if additional relevant information becomes available. Regarding Mr. Gonzalez concern about the Miami familys request that the federal district court appoint a guardian ad litem for Elian, INS stated that the government is preparing a response to that motion which will be filed with the court within the next few days. INS reiterated to Mr. Gonzalez that it is committed to resolving this matter as fairly and expeditiously as possible. |
Last Modified 02/20/2003