Elián González nearly became an American. Now, he's poised to become a Cuban lawmaker

Elián González, pictured in 2014, has been nominated to join Cuba's parliament. Elections are planned for March 26. González was at the center of a bitter custody battle in 2000 between relatives in Miami and his father in Cuba. (Ramon Espinosa/AP)

Elián González, the Cuban national who set off an international custody battle as a child when he was found floating alone in the Florida straits in 1999, is about to become a member of the communist country's parliament.

González, who is now 29 and an industrial engineer, is one of 470 municipal leaders who have been nominated to serve in the country's National Assembly. While elections have yet to take place – they're planned for March 26 – his nomination is expected to go through.