Pardons Granted to Immigrants by New York Governor

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has decided to pardon a group of immigrants with criminal histories, which includes a man who was convicted of manslaughter.

Hochul, a Democrat, granted pardons to 13 individuals, with the New York Times being the first to report the news. One of the pardoned, Vattanavong, arrived in the U.S. after the Vietnam War. He stated that he fired his weapon in self-defense during a confrontation outside a pool hall.

“They’ve paid their debts. If they were sent back to a country they’re unfamiliar with, it would be unfortunate,” Hochul remarked in defense of her decision. She further questioned those who criticize this action for political reasons, stating, “Where is your compassion?”

In New York, receiving a pardon doesn’t erase a conviction but helps shield recipients from deportation consequences.

According to Hochul, among those pardoned are several legal permanent residents from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and South Africa. It remains uncertain how many others like Vatthanavong have entered the country without the proper documentation.

The governor disclosed this pardon after a report was published by the New York Times.

“After careful consideration, I have granted pardons to 13 individuals who have shown remorse for their actions and demonstrated a commitment to bettering their communities,” Hochul stated on the state’s official website.

Previously, a federal immigration judge ordered Vatthanavong’s deportation, but the process stalled because Laos refused to accept his return for many years.

Hochul’s office has not clarified whether this type of pardon is part of a broader plan. So far this year, her administration has received 84 applications for amnesty and 186 requests for commutation.