Will Journalist Face Deportation? Signs Point To 'No'

Corey Dade NPR 06/23/2011 19:07

Jose Antonio Vargas works in his New York City apartment May 26. Vargas, a journalist, has revealed to the public that he is an illegal immigrant.

Now that a high-profile journalist has admitted to being an illegal immigrant, can he expect a visit from the authorities? Based on recent immigration policy directives, the answer likely is "no."

As he explains in a New York Times Magazine article and an ABC News interview, journalist Jose Antonio Vargas broke numerous laws to conceal his citizenship status for more than a decade. A spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined to directly address whether the agency might take action against Vargas.

"ICE takes enforcement action on a case-by-case basis – prioritizing those who present the most significant threats to public safety as determined by their criminal history and taking into consideration the specific facts of each case, including immigration history," spokeswoman Cori W. Bassett said in an emailed statement.

But the agency's recent issuance of certain directives might provide the clearer answer — which is that Vargas probably is safe.

In memorandums issued by ICE director John Morton, the agency clarified that its priorities are to focus on illegal immigrants who present "a clear risk to national security."

In one of the memos, released June 17, Morton said ICE is focused on felons and repeat offenders, gang members, and those with numerous immigration violations such as illegally re-entering the U.S. and committing fraud.

The memo also directs ICE officials to avoid proceedings against a wide array of individuals, including U.S. military veterans, minors and seniors, pregnant women, those who grew up in the U.S. and "long-time lawful permanent residents."

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