Governor Paterson announced today that he would be creating a panel to review the cases of legal immigrants facing deportation due to past convictions. The panel would make recommendations to the Governor's office based on how old or minor the conviction is, or if the applicant had showed signs of rehabilitation. Paterson said in a press release, "We hope this initiative will help set an example for how to soften the blow in those cases of deserving individuals caught in the web of our national immigration laws. We hope it will prove that justice can always find a way." Hmm, wonder who he wants to set an example for...
Though the panel wouldn't see cases dealing with illegal immigrants, Paterson is looking to change the sentences for immigrants whose crimes did not carry the punishment of deportation when they were convicted, but who were sentenced retroactively. In some cases a pardon will be issued, like in the case of Qing Hong Wu, who had been threatened with deportation for muggings he committed when he was 15. However, most of the applicants will likely receive a commutation of their sentences. Paterson hopes New York will remain a place where immigrants feel welcome, saying, "This initiative will help to preserve the wealth of good that immigrants have provided our State, and will stand as a symbol of justice and humanity that captures the spirit of New York."
