Cuban prisoners released in New Orleans

[funkybutt]

http://nola.com/

"Local aid agencies scramble to accomodate Cubans, whom U.S. Supreme Court ordered released

In recent weeks, at least six Cubans who first came to the United States in the 1980 Mariel boatlift, and one other illegal immigrant, have been dropped onto the streets of New Orleans, abruptly ending prison terms that exceeded 20 years in some cases.

The releases were expected, mandated by the U.S. Supreme Court last month in a decision that said federal officials could no longer indefinitely detain 747 Cubans and 173 other illegal immigrants simply because their native countries will not take them back. All are convicted criminals, but they long ago completed their sentences, the court said, and now, after years of legal limbo, it is time to set them free.

What wasn't expected was the way immigration officials chose to execute the releases: quietly, and without informing local service agencies or trying to get the men work cards. That's what has turned New Orleans into a focal point in a national debate on what to do with the people known as Marielitos. "

[Alpharetta]

1. Incredible

Imprisoned 25 years without trial. They survived prison riots, limited legal help, unknown abuse.

Dumped on the streets.

What a country.

[PassingFair]

2. How compassionately conservative of them!

Just when you think that you cannot despise this administration more...

[funkybutt]

3. Kick for the late crowd.

just curious what y'all think about this

[struggle4progress]

4. kick