Paterson plans 'pardon panel' for immigrants

ALBANY - Gov. David A. Paterson yesterday said he will create a panel to help selected immigrants with criminal convictions avoid deportation under "harsh" federal laws.

Paterson said New York would be the first state to create a "pardon panel" aimed specifically at investigating requests of legal immigrants facing deportation because of a past convictions.

Paterson said he would pardon immigrants who meet criteria such as rehabilitation and a lack of danger to society.

The Democrat is seeking to combat what he calls harsh and rigid federal measures that result in deporting of immigrants who have shown considerable rehabilitation.

New York's measure comes as the nation is embroiled in conflict over an Arizona law that critics say would encourage racial profiling. Arizona's measure makes it a crime under state law to be in the country illegally.

Paterson said he will seek to use a governor's pardon to blunt deportation even of immigrants who have successfully engaged in a new life in America.

"To be sure, there are some individuals whose crimes are egregious or who pose a threat to public safety," Paterson said. "But there are others for whom the situation is far less clear. For them, our national immigration laws leave no room to consider mitigating circumstances."