DHS Eases Deportation Rules for Widowed Immigrants.

Source: AP/NYT

Surviving immigrant spouses of American citizens who die before they are married two years will get a break from deportation, the Homeland Security Department said Tuesday.

The department said it is suspending for two years enforcement of the so-called widow penalty that has triggered several lawsuits.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a news release the temporary suspension will allow immigrant widows and widowers and their children to stay in the country ''that has become their home'' until their legal status is resolved.

''Smart immigration policy balances strong enforcement practices with commonsense, practical solutions to complicated issues,'' Napolitano said.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/06/09/us/politics/AP-US-Immigration-Widows-Penalty.html?_r=1

She was Brazilian (I think) and her American husband died within a married of them getting married.

They had a child who was born in the U.S.

After he died, she was threatened with deportation, WITHOUT HER CHILD.

She wasn't some freeloader, as she did have a good paying job, and was living with her child with her deceased husband's parents. Her parents-in-law didn't want her to leave either.

Looks like other similar unfortunate situations will be reasonably addressed by Secretary Napolitano. BRAVO!
New one: 11 year old girl, lawyer failed to do something, might have to go to poland.