Washington Pardons Board Refuses to Intervene in Immigrant’s Deportation Case

Key Takeaways

• Washington Clemency Board declined intervention in Tuan Thanh Phan’s deportation case on June 30, 2025.
• Phan faces deportation to South Sudan despite no ties; Supreme Court ruling pending on removals.
• Governor Bob Ferguson holds sole authority to grant pardon and stop Phan’s deportation.

The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board has declined to intervene in the case of Tuan Thanh Phan, a longtime Vietnamese refugee and Washington resident who now faces imminent deportation. On June 30, 2025, the Board announced it would not take further action, leaving the final decision in the hands of Governor Bob Ferguson. Phan’s case has drawn attention from legal experts, advocacy groups, and elected officials, all urging the Governor to grant a full and unconditional pardon—the last available option to stop his deportation and bring him home.

Who is Tuan Thanh Phan and Why is His Case Important?

Tuan Thanh Phan arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 as a Vietnamese refugee. After serving a 25-year sentence for a conviction from the year 2000, he remained in custody due to a removal order. Now, he is being held at a U.S. naval base in Djibouti, along with eight other men, after a May 20 deportation flight was stopped midair by a federal court order. Phan’s deportation is currently on hold, pending a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could allow removals like his to proceed without further judicial review.

Phan’s situation is especially urgent because he is set to be deported to South Sudan—a country with which he has no ties. Advocates warn that he could face indefinite detention or even greater risks if sent there. The stakes are high, not just for Phan, but for many immigrants in similar situations across the United States 🇺🇸.

Why Did the Clemency and Pardons Board Decline to Act?

In 2025, Washington State passed new laws to expand the Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board and allow for faster review of pardon petitions, especially for people facing deportation. The Board is now required to create an expedited review process for urgent cases, such as those involving imminent deportation. The new law also makes it clear that anyone can apply for a pardon, commutation, or restoration of civil rights, no matter their immigration status.

Despite these changes, the Board still has the power to decide which cases to review. In Phan’s case, the Board chose not to act further, stating in a brief email to his attorney that the Governor’s Office had been informed of the decision and the request for reconsideration. This means that only Governor Ferguson can now grant a pardon to stop Phan’s deportation.

What Are the Legal and Policy Details?

The pardon process in Washington State allows individuals facing deportation to apply directly to the Governor or through the Clemency and Pardons Board. The Board can review cases quickly if there is an urgent need, but the Governor can also issue pardons independently. For example, in 2018, Governor Jay Inslee pardoned several Cambodians facing deportation.

A pardon in Phan’s case would allow him to reopen and possibly dismiss his deportation case. This could lead to the restoration of his legal permanent residency and allow him to return to his family and community in Washington.

Key Points About the Pardon Process:

• Who can apply? Anyone, regardless of immigration status, can apply for a pardon, commutation, or restoration of civil rights.
• How does it work? Applications can go through the Board or directly to the Governor. The Board can review urgent cases quickly.
• What can a pardon do? A pardon can help reopen deportation cases and may restore legal status.

For more information on the pardon process and how to apply, visit the Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board official website.

What’s at Stake for Tuan Thanh Phan and Others Like Him?

Phan’s case is not unique. Since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, there has been a sharp increase in deportation efforts targeting immigrants with old criminal convictions. This includes refugees and legal permanent residents who committed crimes as young adults. Many of these individuals have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades, built families, and become part of their communities.

Advocates, including the ACLU of Washington and more than 50 elected officials, are urging Governor Ferguson to grant a pardon. They argue that a pardon is the only way to bring Phan home before his deportation proceeds. The Bring Tuan Home campaign, the ACLU of Washington, and the Khmer Anti-Deportation and Advocacy Group are all actively lobbying for a pardon and for broader changes to state law, such as ending state prison notifications to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Governor’s Role and Response

Governor Bob Ferguson has been fully briefed on Phan’s case and has met with Phan’s family and legal team. His spokesperson, Brionna Aho, confirmed that the Governor’s legal team is investigating the possible impact of a pardon in Phan’s situation. As of July 3, 2025, the Governor has not yet announced a final decision.

University of Washington Law Professor Angélica Cházaro, who is Phan’s attorney, stated, “The Board’s decision not to intervene clarifies what we already knew to be true: Governor Ferguson has the sole authority to use his pardon to bring Tuan home. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and we are running out of time to save Tuan from a punishment no person deserves.”

Community and Advocacy Efforts

Phan’s case has sparked a strong response from community groups and advocates. The Bring Tuan Home campaign, the ACLU of Washington, and the Khmer Anti-Deportation and Advocacy Group are leading efforts to raise awareness and push for a pardon. They are also calling for broader changes to state law, including:

• Ending state prison notifications to ICE: While Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act limits local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, state prisons can still notify ICE of release dates. Advocates want Governor Ferguson to change this policy.
• Expanding access to post-conviction relief: Many immigrants face deportation because of old convictions. Advocates are pushing for laws that make it easier to clear these records and avoid deportation.

Family members and community supporters have expressed shock and confusion at the legal process and the risk of deportation to a country with which Phan has no connection. They worry about his safety and well-being if he is sent to South Sudan.

Recent Policy Changes in Washington State

In 2025, Washington State made several important changes to its clemency and pardon system:

• Board Expansion: The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board will expand and begin paying its members, which could help it review more urgent cases in the future.
• Expedited Review: The Board is now required to create a fast-track process for cases involving imminent deportation.
• Eligibility Regardless of Immigration Status: The new law makes it clear that anyone can apply for a pardon, no matter their immigration status.

These changes are designed to help people like Phan, but the Board still has the final say on which cases to review. In Phan’s case, the Board’s decision not to act means that only the Governor can now stop his deportation.

The Role of the U.S. Supreme Court

Phan’s deportation is currently on hold because of a federal court order that stopped a May 20 deportation flight midair. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to make a decision soon that could allow deportations like Phan’s to proceed without further judicial review. This means that time is running out for Phan and others in similar situations.

Implications for Immigrants, Families, and Communities

The outcome of Phan’s case will have a big impact on other immigrants facing deportation because of old convictions. If Governor Ferguson grants a pardon, it could set a precedent for other cases and show that state leaders can play a key role in protecting vulnerable community members.

For families and communities, the stakes are deeply personal. Deportation can mean permanent separation from loved ones, loss of support, and the risk of being sent to a country where the person has no ties or support system. For legal permanent residents and refugees, the threat of deportation after serving a sentence adds another layer of punishment and uncertainty.

What Can Readers Do?

• Stay Informed: Follow updates from advocacy groups like the ACLU of Washington and the Bring Tuan Home campaign.
• Contact Officials: Concerned residents can submit public comments or contact the Governor’s Office to express their views.
• Support Legal and Advocacy Efforts: Organizations like the Seattle Clemency Project provide legal help and advocacy for people facing deportation due to old convictions.

Key Facts About the Tuan Thanh Phan Case (as of July 3, 2025):

• Name: Tuan Thanh Phan
• Immigration Status: Vietnamese refugee, longtime Washington resident
• Current Location: U.S. naval base, Djibouti
• Legal Status: Completed 25-year sentence; facing deportation
• Deportation Destination: South Sudan (no ties)
• Clemency Board Action: Declined further intervention (June 30, 2025)
• Governor’s Authority: Sole remaining option for pardon
• Supreme Court Ruling: Pending; could allow removals without further judicial review
• Advocacy Efforts: Ongoing; ACLU, elected officials, community groups urging pardon
• Policy Changes (2025): Board expansion, expedited review for urgent deportation cases, eligibility regardless of immigration status

Looking Ahead: What Happens Next?

The next steps in Phan’s case depend on two main factors:

1. Governor Ferguson’s Decision: The Governor’s office is actively considering the pardon request. If he grants a full and unconditional pardon, Phan could reopen his deportation case and possibly return to his family in Washington.
2. Supreme Court Ruling: If the Supreme Court allows deportations like Phan’s to proceed without further judicial review, he could be removed from the United States 🇺🇸 at any time.

The expansion of the Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board and the new laws allowing for faster review of urgent cases may help others in the future. However, for Phan, only the Governor’s direct intervention can halt his deportation.

Resources for Further Information

• Governor’s Office: For updates or to submit public comment, visit the official Washington Governor’s website.
• Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board: Learn more about procedures and applications on the state government website.
• Seattle Clemency Project: Offers legal representation and advocacy for individuals facing deportation due to old convictions.

Conclusion: The Broader Impact

Tuan Thanh Phan’s case highlights the complex intersection of criminal justice, immigration law, and executive power. It shows how changes in state law, federal policy, and court decisions can have life-changing effects on individuals and families. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the outcome of this case could influence how other states and governors respond to similar situations in the future.

For now, Phan’s fate rests with Governor Ferguson and the Supreme Court. The decision will not only affect Phan and his family but also set an example for how states can use their authority to protect vulnerable residents from deportation. As the situation develops, advocates and community members continue to push for a fair and humane outcome—not just for Phan, but for all those facing similar threats of removal.

Actionable Takeaways:

• If you or someone you know is facing deportation due to an old conviction, consider reaching out to organizations like the Seattle Clemency Project for legal support.
• Stay updated on policy changes and advocacy efforts in your state, as new laws may open up options for relief.
• Engage with your elected officials to share your views on immigration and clemency policies.

For the most current updates on the Tuan Thanh Phan case and related policy changes, monitor official state websites and advocacy organizations involved in the case.

Learn Today

Pardon → An official forgiveness for a crime that can restore legal rights and stop deportation proceedings.
Clemency Board → A state-appointed group that reviews and recommends pardons and commutations for urgent cases.
Commutation → A reduction or cancellation of a criminal sentence, possibly affecting deportation status.
Removal Order → A legal order requiring an immigrant’s deportation from the United States.
Expedited Review → A faster process for evaluating urgent pardon petitions, such as those involving imminent deportation.

This Article in a Nutshell

Tuan Thanh Phan, a Vietnamese refugee facing deportation to South Sudan, relies on Governor Ferguson’s pardon. Washington’s Clemency Board declined intervention despite new laws for faster pardons, leaving Phan’s fate uncertain amidst a pending Supreme Court decision impacting deportation cases nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com