Governor Hochul Pardons Laotian Immigrant, Halting His Deportation

(NEW YORK) Governor Kathy Hochul has granted a rare pardon to Somchith “Sammy” Vatthanavong, a 52-year-old Laotian immigrant, halting his deportation and keeping him with his family in New York. The decision, made public on August 15, 2025, is part of an expanding clemency effort from the Governor’s office, but it stands out because pardons that directly block deportation are uncommon. Advocates say the action shows how state clemency powers can soften federal immigration outcomes, especially for longtime residents with deep community ties.

Vatthanavong, who came to the United States 🇺🇸 as part of the Laotian refugee diaspora, faced removal despite the long history of complex U.S.-Laos relations on deportations. Laos lacks a formal repatriation agreement with the U.S., and for years deportations were rare and difficult. That began to shift under recent pressure from Washington.

In June 2025, the U.S. imposed a partial travel ban and paused visas for certain Lao nationals over cooperation issues. While Laos has since started issuing some travel documents, the process remains limited and contentious. According to advocates tracking Southeast Asian cases, more than 4,800 Lao nationals, including Hmong and Mien community members, live in the U.S. with final removal orders.

How a State Pardon Affects Federal Immigration Cases

State officials and immigrant defense organizations describe Governor Hochul’s decision as both legally precise and humane. The pardon removes state-level conviction barriers that often trigger or harden federal removal.

While immigration is a federal matter, a gubernatorial pardon can influence how federal agencies view a person’s case by affecting assessments of:

• Danger to the community
• Rehabilitation
• Equities such as family ties and caregiving roles

In Vatthanavong’s case, the move stops pending deportation efforts and allows him to remain in New York while his supporters push for long-term stability.

A gubernatorial pardon can erase the state conviction that formed the basis for federal enforcement, allowing lawyers to argue for relief like deferred action or humanitarian consideration.

State Clemency Meets Federal Enforcement

Since May 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul has granted multiple pardons and commutations to New Yorkers, including immigrants whose past convictions placed them at risk of deportation. The Governor’s office has framed these steps as second chances for people who have shown rehabilitation and service.

Advocacy groups supporting the approach include:

• Immigrant Defense Project
• Clemency Coalition of New York

They have urged lawmakers to standardize clemency access through the Clemency Justice Act (S.222/A.155). That bill aims to make clemency more transparent and available year-round, so people aren’t left waiting years for relief.

Federal enforcement continues in parallel. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) still arrests and removes noncitizens with criminal records, including some from Laos. But deportations to Laos are often tangled in diplomacy and logistics. Even with new travel papers being issued, flights and acceptance by receiving authorities can be inconsistent.

This is where a state pardon can change the picture:

• It can erase the state conviction that formed the basis for federal enforcement.
• It gives lawyers grounds to request pauses in removal or to seek alternative relief.
• Advocates call on the federal administration to weigh state pardons more heavily when deciding whether to keep families together.

The Governor’s office has used clemency in other high-profile cases, including a 2024 pardon for a Haitian immigrant that sparked calls for federal humanitarian parole. Analysis by VisaVerge.com suggests New York’s increasing use of clemency is becoming a model for states addressing the overlap of criminal justice and immigration penalties.

What This Means for Families and Future Cases

For Vatthanavong, the immediate impact is clear: the pardon stops removal and lets him remain in New York with his family and community. For many Laotian, Hmong, and Mien families, the case offers a roadmap.

Typical steps in New York for seeking a pardon:

1. Application
   • An individual or their lawyer submits a request for a pardon to the state, often through the New York State Board of Parole or directly to the Governor’s office.
2. Review
   • Officials consider rehabilitation, work history, caregiving roles, the age and nature of past convictions, and community support.
3. Decision
   • The Governor may grant a pardon, commute a sentence, or deny the request.
4. Federal follow-up
   • After a pardon, advocates may ask federal authorities to pause removal or recognize the clemency when deciding on relief.

Key points to understand:

• A state pardon does not by itself create immigration status.
• It can remove the legal barrier that made deportation more likely, opening the door for further requests to federal agencies.
• Lawyers say this path is especially important for people from countries where deportation is hard or risky.

With the June 2025 visa restrictions on Laos and the partial travel ban still in effect, many Lao nationals are caught between strict federal rules and a fragile return process.

Community and Policy Impacts

Community groups highlight several ripple effects when a parent or caregiver avoids removal:

• Children stay in school with fewer disruptions
• Employers retain trained staff
• Houses remain occupied
• Religious and cultural groups keep their leaders who bridge generations

Southeast Asian advocacy organizations urge Albany and Washington to treat these cases through a family and community lens, noting the historical trauma many refugees carry from war and displacement.

Policy developments to watch:

• The proposed Clemency Justice Act in Albany, which could expand access to pardons and clarify procedures
• How ICE and the Department of Homeland Security weigh state clemency in federal decisions
• Diplomatic progress with Laos on issuing travel documents and accepting deportation flights

Practical Advice for New Yorkers Seeking Relief

Attorneys recommend preparing early and gathering strong documentation, including:

• Letters from employers, faith leaders, teachers, and neighbors
• Proof of rehabilitation and stable work history
• Evidence of caregiving roles and community involvement

They also advise staying informed about:

• Federal policy changes
• State legislation that may streamline clemency access

Advocates stress that Vatthanavong’s case should not be seen as automatic precedent but rather as a strong example of how state action can influence a federal case—especially when backed by community support. The mechanics are technical, but the stakes are simple: whether a person who has rebuilt a life here gets to keep it.

Important: ICE maintains public information on removal processes and enforcement priorities, which can guide families and counsel on next steps during or after a state pardon.

Readers can review federal enforcement guidance at the official ICE website: https://www.ice.gov.