U.S. Frees 31 Afghans Who Seek Asylum

Thirty-one Afghan refugees who had been held at a federal detention center for up to 18 months for entering the country illegally after fleeing Soviet intervention were released today to a joyful reunion with friends and relatives.

The refugees, 29 men and two women, were granted release by immigration officials Thursday, during a meeting with Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-N.Y.), Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.), Sen. Alfonse M. D’Amato (R-N.Y.) and lawyers for the refugees.

The Immigration and Naturalization Service “has made a proper and decent decision,” Moynihan said. “The Afghans can now enjoy the freedoms they have sought while they await the resolution of their cases.”

The 31 are seeking asylum as political refugees.

Some of the group waved small American flags as they left the detention center. Several of the men were dressed in turbans and scarfs traditionally worn in Afghanistan.

The INS has said it will consider their requests for asylum, and also will consider appeals from at least 20 Afghan refugees whose original requests were turned down.