ImmigrationDHS: more than 1,600 deportation cases should be closed
As part of the Obama administration’s ongoing efforts to shift its immigration policy to deporting dangerous illegal immigrants, last week DHS officials recommended canceling deportation proceedings against more than 1,600 illegal immigrants in Denver and Baltimore who were not deemed a threat
As part of the Obama administration’s ongoing efforts to shift its immigration policy to deporting dangerous illegal immigrants, last week DHS officials recommended canceling deportation proceedings against more than 1,600 illegal immigrants in Denver and Baltimore who were not deemed a threat.
Based on preliminary figures, 7,923 cases were reviewed in Denver and officials recommended closing 1,301, while in Baltimore, 3,759 cases were reviewed with 366 recommended for closure.
An immigration official, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, said, the preliminary data has yet to be released publicly as each recommendation depends on the result of an extensive background check that includes collecting biometric data like fingerprints.
“We wanted to triple check” everyone’s background before halting a deportation case, the official said.
The recommendations come as part of a broader nation-wide review of existing deportation cases involving illegal immigrants not jailed by federal authorities.
Beginning in December, immigration proceedings in Denver and Baltimore were temporarily suspended while officials conducted a “deep dive,” investigating each pending deportation case. Courts across the country followed suit, but so far have yet to release the results of their audits.
Last August, the Obama administration announced that roughly 300,000 deportation cases would be reviewed and illegal immigrants who did not pose a public safety risk would likely have their cases put on hold indefinitely. Administration officials argue that with limited resources, they can only deport about 400,000 illegal aliens a year, so to best protect the United States, immigration officials should focus on keeping dangerous immigrants out.
Immigrants who have their deportation cases suspended will not gain legal status and could have their cases opened at any time if they commit a crime or become a threat to national security.
The nation-wide review is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.
