Millions of refugees around the world have fled oppression in their own countries. For example, refugees may be members of a minority group which is persecuted for their religious or political beliefs.
Many refugees return to their homeland when democracy is restored and persecution stops.
Several days later, Elian was rescued by fishermen on Thanksgiving Day 1999, floating in an inner tube off the coast of Florida. Elian, his mother, and the others violated the laws of Cuba by leaving without permission from the Cuban government. Many Cubans have been sentenced to jail when they are forcibly returned to Cuba by the United States. Cuba Imposes Stiff Prison Terms on Cubans Interdicted and Returned , U.S. Committee for Refugees Elian and the others would be violating the immigration laws of the United States by entering without legal permission from the United States government. However, people who enter the United States illegally may still apply for asylum.