1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 97-606 AUpdated September 16, 1997Suspension of Deportation: Tighter Standardsfor Canceling Removal-name redacted-Legislative AttorneyAmerican Law DivisionBackground. Since 1940, Congr
2、ess has allowed the Attorney General to grantlawful status to certain aliens who, though not lawfully admitted, have established deeproots here. As first enacted, the Attorney General could suspend the deportation of alienswho could show 5 years of good moral character and prospective serious econom
3、icdetriment to lawfully present members of their immediate families. However, severalclasses of aliens were ineligible, and Congress retained power to overturn relief byresolution.Over time, Congress has changed the basic eligibility rules for suspension ofdeportation, the classes of ineligible alie
4、ns, and the role of Congress. As enacted, theImmigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (INA) expanded potential eligibility by allowingrelief premised on hardship to the prospective deportee and by shortening the list ofineligible groups, but relief could only be granted if both the Attorney General a