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US Immigration Deports First Haitians Since Earthquake

MIAMI (CBS4) – Immigration officials sent back 27 Haitians previously convicted of crimes, the first such deportations since the Obama administration halted them following the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti.

But immigrant advocates don't agree with the deportation. They say political unrest and an outbreak of cholera in Haiti make it inhumane to deport people there.

The U.S. announced last month it would resume deporting those convicted of violent crimes who have served their time. Authorities generally cannot hold people indefinitely who have completed their sentences.

The U.S. say more than 61,000 Haitians have applied to temporarily stay and work here following the quake. The deadline for applying was Tuesday. Convicted criminals were not eligible.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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