US weighs curbing deportations of people without serious criminal records

WASHINGTON – The Associated Press has learned that Homeland Security Secretary Jeh (Jay) Johnson is considering limiting deportations of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally but without serious criminal records. On President Barack Obama’s orders, Johnson is conducting a politically charged review of U.S. deportation policy.

The potential change could shield tens of thousands of immigrants now removed each year solely because of repeated immigration violations, such as re-entering the country after being deported. The change would fall short of deportation curbs demanded by activists frustrated by congressional inaction on immigration legislation.

The possible move was confirmed by two people with knowledge of Johnson’s review: John Sandweg, formerly acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and an immigration advocate who has discussed the review with administration officials but spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions were confidential.