Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants

(B)  Determination of Whether a Pardon Exists.  The name of the document may not always determine whether the immigration authorities will regard it as a pardon.  A document called an “amnesty” may be accepted by the immigration authorities as equivalent to a pardon.[145]  Commutations of sentence or release on parole are not regarded as “pardons.”[146]  An order restoring civil rights may be considered equivalent to a pardon, for immigration purposes, if it satisfies all the requirements of a pardon: a grant by the governor unconditionally removing all disabilities.[147]  After a 1947 amendment of Wisconsin law, a Wisconsin restoration of civil rights is no longer regarded as equivalent to a full and unconditional pardon for immigration purposes.[148]

[145] Marino v. INS, 537 F.2d 686 (2d Cir. 1976); Matter of Adamo, 10 I. & N. Dec. 593 (BIA 1964); Matter of B, 7 I. & N. Dec. 166 (BIA 1956).

[146] United States v. Comm'r of Immigration at Port of New York, 5 F.2d 162 (2d Cir. 1924).

[147] Matter of S, 5 I. & N. Dec. 10 (INS Central Office 1952, BIA 1953) (Washington);  Matter of G, 4 I. & N. Dec. 73 (BIA 1950) (Wisconsin). Cf. Matter of O, 3 I. & N. Dec. 209 (BIA 1948, AG 1950) (Nebraska and Illinois).

[148] Matter of R, 8 I. & N. Dec. 677 (BIA 1960).