In May 2010, Governor Paterson created an immigration pardon panel to review the petitions of immigrants. Governor Paterson created the panel because he realized that the federal immigration system is unyielding in some of its procedures concerning removal and deportation from the United States. In particular, Governor Paterson was concerned about old, minor criminal convictions that could result in a person’s removal without a review of the hardship the removal would have on an immigrant’s family.
These pardons are the first (I believe) pardons that have been issued after being processed through the immigration pardon panel (A couple of immigrants were granted pardons at the beginning of the year – but had not gone through the immigration pardon panel). Whether additional immigrants may be granted pardons before the end of the year is unclear.
Also unknown is whether the Governor-elect will continue the pardon panel.