Oh sure ----don't you remember the Russian boy who asked for asylum and Reagan gave it to him? His parents were going back to the Soviet Union, the boy wanted freedom and he got to stay.
I'll never forget that Reader's Digest story: "Never I Go Back"
Too bad we couldn't have had a sequel.
Totally different scenario. The Russian boy was brought to the US when he was very young and grew up in the US. His father, was transferred back to Russia and the son, now 12, who had lived most of his life in the US, and did not remember Russia, decided to apply for asylum.
The 12 year old decided to apply for asylum.
That is the key.
Elian, a 6 year old child, grew up in Cuba, was brought to the US. At 6, can you logically decide which country you wish to live in, with out the input of others.
No you can't. That is why Elian's case is different then the 12 year old Russian.