Governor Cuomo Grants Pardon to Paul, Weiss Pro Bono Client for Prior Convictions

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo granted a pardon to a Paul, Weiss pro bono client who had been convicted of drug sales and possession charges decades ago and who was facing imminent deportation due to these prior criminal convictions. Our client is a lawful permanent resident who came to the United States from Jamaica more than 30 years ago. The pardon, which allows him to apply for discretionary relief from deportation, was one of 22 granted by the Governor to immigrants vulnerable to deportation because of their prior criminal convictions, including minor offenses. The press release can be found here, and additional coverage by The New York Times can be found here.

"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," Governor Cuomo said. "These actions will help keep immigrant families together and take a critical step toward a more just, more fair and more compassionate New York."

The Paul, Weiss team includes litigation partner Gregory Laufer and associates Arianna Markel and Benjamin Weintraub.