Deferred Prosecution?

ICE’s efforts to remove Buntha Nhep, a Cambodian refugee who has been in the US for 30 years and currently counsels homeless men in Stockton, continues.  A story on the Nhep deportation proceedings  appeared in the Stockton Record last fall.  Another story  ran on the local CBS affiliate.  ICE continues its efforts to remove this man, who is now on dialysis and will likely die if removed to Cambodia.

Even if Mr. Nhep is legally removable, the efforts to remove him, in light of his equities, seems like bad policy, plain and simple.  ICE is not obligated to remove him — they have the option to defer prosecution.  Until Congress rationalizes immigration policy and restores humanitarian waivers for deportation (particularly for refugees!) ICE’s wise exercise of discretion in cases like this is critical.

-jmc