Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has granted pardons to 22 individuals, allowing some non-citizens who committed crimes a chance to avoid deportation. This decision isn’t entirely new; she previously issued a pardon to nine foreign-born individuals involved in activities like drug trafficking and theft. Hochul emphasized the importance of clemency as a means to support justice and equity, acknowledging efforts to change lives not just for the individuals but for their communities as well.
One such case involves Sammy Vatthanavong, a 52-year-old who arrived in the U.S. from Laos as a child. He faced deportation after being convicted of manslaughter decades ago during a confrontation at a Brooklyn pool hall. Despite claiming self-defense, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison, resulting in the loss of his green card.
Organizations like Mekong NYC are advocating for individuals like Vatthanavong, urging the governor to step in and prevent deportations they view as unjust. They argue that the current political climate unfairly targets immigrants, especially under the previous administration. The urgency of these pardons can’t be overstated, as without them, deportations seemed almost certain for those involved.
Hochul formally issued Vatthanavong’s pardon just a day before his scheduled deportation, highlighting the pressure from community advocates. Department of Homeland Security representatives confirmed that without Hochul’s intervention, Vatthanavong would have faced immediate deportation to Laos.
Critics, such as Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, voiced strong objections, suggesting that Hochul’s actions put criminals ahead of law-abiding citizens. She criticized the secrecy surrounding the pardons, claiming they were kept from public view to avoid backlash.
Hochul’s rationale is that certain non-citizens who have committed crimes may not pose a threat and should be given another chance. She referenced the importance of forgiveness, echoing biblical sentiments. Vatthanavong expressed immense gratitude for the pardon, viewing it as a second chance and an opportunity for renewal, emphasizing that community support played a key role in his case.
