Governor Hochul Offers Pardon to Immigrants with Criminal Histories

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul has discreetly pardoned several immigrants with criminal backgrounds, including cases dating back decades, notably one involving a manslaughter conviction.

The governor recently acknowledged her decision to pardon 13 immigrants, including Somchith Vatthanavong, a 52-year-old from Laos who entered the U.S. illegally in 1990 and was convicted of manslaughter. This was first reported by the New York Times.

Vatthanavong, who fled to the U.S. following the Vietnam War, maintained to the outlet that he shot the man in self-defense during a confrontation outside a pool hall.

“They have paid their debts. If we send them back to a place that doesn’t recognize their worth, it’s daunting,” Hochul told the Times in defense of her action.

“And to those who vilify them for political gain: where is your compassion?” she added.

The pardoned individuals, including Vatthanavong, will be released from prison, even if they still had time left to serve. In New York, these recipients have already been released, allowing them to avoid further consequences like deportation. It’s important to note that a pardon doesn’t erase their criminal records.

This recent decision marks a notable shift in Hochul’s stance, as she had previously promised to collaborate with federal authorities like ICE to deport criminal immigrants.

“New York has no sanctuary for those who commit crimes. We are committed to taking action against gang members and violent offenders, and state officials will work with ICE and CBP when appropriate,” her office had stated earlier this year, prior to her testimony regarding New York’s sanctuary policies.

Hochul mentioned that among the pardoned immigrants are some who are legal permanent residents from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and South Africa. It’s unclear who else, beyond Vatthanavong, may have entered the U.S. unlawfully.

The governor only disclosed the pardons following the Times’ report last Friday.

“After thoughtful consideration, I acknowledge my compassion for these 13 individuals who have shown remorse for their actions and have demonstrated their commitment to giving back to the community,” Hochul stated on the state’s website.

Although a federal immigration judge had ordered Vatthanavong’s deportation, he never left the U.S. due to Laos’s lack of cooperation over the years with U.S. deportation procedures.

Hochul’s office did not disclose plans for future pardons for immigrants in situations similar to Vatthanavong’s. She noted that since the start of the year, her office has received 84 applications for amnesty and 186 for commutation.