A judge grants citizenship to an immigrant man who is a convicted killer

Kill someone and STILL get them papers?!?!

Apparently one judge thinks so…

A Jamaican immigrant’s story of redemption convinced a judge he should be an American citizen – even though he killed his wife.

Vernon Lawson, a Vietnam veteran, stabbed his wife to death in 1985 and served more than 13 years in prison. While behind bars, he kicked his drug and alcohol problems, got his GED and earned a bachelor’s degree.

Lawson was released from prison in 1998 and soon began getting treatment for post traumatic stress disorder. In 2006, he applied to become a citizen and was turned down because of the manslaughter conviction.

The Marine’s lawyers argued that as a military veteran, the Harlem man only had to prove good moral character since 2005, beginning a year before filing for citizenship.

“He has redeemed himself,” Manhattan Federal Judge Denny Chin wrote in a recent decision, ordering immigration officials to grant Lawson U.S. citizenship. “The manner in which he has overcome his challenges is a testament to his character.”

Judge Chin went on to say:

“Of course, Lawson committed an unspeakable act when he killed his wife. But that was more than 25 years ago, and he has paid for his actions,” Chin wrote. “He became a productive and responsible member of society.”

What do you think? Does it sound like Mr. Lawson is reformed enough to become a citizen?? Drop a vote in our poll below.

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