oooo I knew it was only a matter of time until an E.G. thread showed up... !

faswilli2, thank you for saying that about Mexicans trying to come across the border--I've been using that same analogy since this thing began and I think it's right on the money.

Aside from the issue of whether or not dad is fit to raise Elian or not, the point is, he's an illegal immigrant. He belongs to Cuba, he belongs IN Cuba. He's got to go. I feel terrible for all the immigrants coming into the U.S. who spend YEARS trying to obtain citizenship in order to stay here legally--this kind of pandering to a very vocal, angry minority in a political tug of war makes my stomache turn.

My work involves custody/visitation evaluations every single day of the week. And Spaw, I disagree that it is almost impossible to determine that a bio parent is unfit. In termination of parental rights cases, there are many times that the parent's rights are terminated. In custody cases, depending on many factors, the parent who can serve the best interest of the child is the one who is recommended to receive custody. But in this case, this is a moot point. There need be no forensic/psychological evaluation--this is an immigration issue, not a custody issue and not a termination of rights case.

Whew. I'm sure glad I have Mudcat (and Mudcatters) to complain to when I've got my bloomers in a ball. LOL