Asylum or arrest? Immigration and compassion.

• Author: Sanders, Ben
• Position: Citings - Brief article

JANUARY WAS a good month for compassion and common sense in immigration policy. On the 15th, the Obama administration granted temporary protected status to Haitian immigrants, allowing them to remain in the United States and work legally for 18 months. The beneficiaries will be allowed to do paid work in America without facing legal harassment and may be able to send money home to help rebuild their country and support their families.

A less publicized directive from Immigration and Customs Enforcement that took effect six days earlier could have a greater impact in the long run. When a victim of persecution abroad seeks safe haven in the United States, the default response has long been to immediately detain him while his asylum claim is considered. The new directive instructs officials to use their power to release asylum seekers into the...