New York, NY – Over two dozen convicted criminals – including 22 immigrants and four murderers – were granted clemency by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday.
“It’s a good way to start the year,” City University of New York School of Law professor Steve Zeidman told The New York Times. “These are wonderful people. There are more people who will be productive on the outside.”
Cuomo granted clemency to 29 convicts on Monday, an overwhelming number of whom were immigrants facing possible deportation, the New York Post reported.
Immigrants who are legal residents generally get deported after being convicted of serious crimes. The governor’s action prevents their deportation.
“While President Trump shuts down the federal government over his obsession with keeping immigrants out, New York stands strong in our support for immigrant communities,” Cuomo said in a statement.