New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced clemencies for 29 convicts including three with murder sentences.
Cuomo issued pardons to recognize individuals' years of crime-free, rehabilitative efforts and to remove barriers that past criminal records pose to their immigration status, according to a statement from the governor's office. Some have been facing deportation. A pardon will "make immigration-related relief possible," the statement said.
the Democrat landed a harsh blow toward trump's administration which is currently facing a partial shutdown in a statement in new year's eve,
"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," Cuomo said. "These actions will help keep immigrant families together and take a critical step toward a more just, fairer and more compassionate New York."
The convicted murderers had all served between 20 and 33 years and had committed the crimes in their teens.
Alphonso Riley-James and Roy Bolus, both 49, were part of a group involved in a drug deal in Albany that went bad and left two men dead.
But neither inmate was accused of causing the deaths, Cuomo said, and both have served 30 years of potential life sentences.
The governor said both showed remorse and had exemplary records in prison.
Monday’s announcement comes a day before Mr. Cuomo is scheduled to be sworn in for a third term as governor of New York in a symbolic ceremony on Ellis Island, the historic point of entry for immigrants to the United States.
