Lawmakers Push Hochul to Expand Pardon Power for Immigrant Protection

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Lawmakers Push Hochul to Expand Pardon Power for Immigrant Protection

What's the gist?

New York lawmakers are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to more aggressively use her clemency powers to protect immigrants from deportation, citing a backlog of 1,800 pending applications and calling for faster action on cases where people face removal to countries where they have no ties.

Context

Hochul has granted 120 clemencies since taking office, including pardons for immigrants facing deportation. She promised to issue clemencies regularly but advocates say she hasn't done enough given pending applications.

Positive Reactions

Compassionate Leadership: Hochul has already used her clemency power to protect immigrants, demonstrating moral courage by preventing deportations to countries where people have no connections.

Process Improvements: The governor has strengthened the clemency program by creating expert advisory panels and updating application systems to make the process more professional.

Balanced Approach: With 120 clemencies granted, Hochul is taking a steady, thoughtful approach to reviewing cases rather than rushing through applications without proper consideration.

Negative Reactions

Insufficient Action: With 1,800 pending clemency requests as of last year, advocates argue Hochul isn't moving fast enough to help vulnerable immigrants facing deportation.

Broken Promises: Critics say Hochul failed to deliver on her commitment to grant clemencies on a rolling basis, leaving families in limbo during urgent situations.

Lack of Transparency: The current clemency process remains opaque, with applicants unable to track their cases or receive updates, creating unnecessary anxiety for families.

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📰 News Sources

Lawmakers want Hochul to use clemency power to protect immigrants — City & State New York (https://www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/03/lawmakers-want-hochul-use-clemency-power-protect-immigrants/412181/)
New York's Immigration Clemency Program Faces Growing Pressure — Albany Times Union (https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/ny-immigration-clemency-program-pressure-18734521.php)
Governor's Clemency Powers Could Shield Immigrants from Deportation — Gothamist (https://gothamist.com/news/governors-clemency-powers-shield-immigrants-deportation)

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