[Calculus_of_Consent]

I said at the time. "We should invite the entire family to the United States so they can enjoy our hospitality for a week or so before we Elian home." That way Castro would have no hostages.

[Sonny M]

There were always rumors that the father was told that if he and Elian did not come back, other members of his family would be harmed. He was married with children and I do not believe they came. Several Republican Senators including Jesse Helms wanted to on the minimum give Elian citizenship or some kind of special status that would have allowed him automatic re-entry into the U.S. when he turned 18. The dems shot this down.