616-2777
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
TDD (202) 514-1888
Statement by Attorney General Janet Reno
on Judge Moore's Decision in the Elian Gonzalez Case
March 21, 2000
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. District Court Judge K. Michael Moore
today dismissed a lawsuit by the relatives of Elian Gonzalez,
which challenged the INS' decision to reunite Elian Gonzalez with
his father, Juan Miguel Gonzalez. Attorney General Janet Reno
issued the following statement:
- "We are pleased that the court has sustained our judgement
that Elian should be reunited with his father. The court's
decision reaffirms our position that only Elian's father can
speak for his son on federal immigration matters. The court also
recognized the importance of family reunification and protecting
the bond between a son and his sole surviving parent.
- "This is a country where the rule of law is respected and
upheld. A federal court has considered this case and has
sustained our decision, a decision which was based on the facts
and the law. It has been four months since Elian was separated
from his father and lost his mother. It is time for this little
boy, who has been through so much, to move on with his life at
his father's side. I understand the very strong emotions that
have surrounded this case from the very beginning, but I have
every confidence that the community will accept the Court's
decision and will support the process that will reunite Elian and
his father.
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