Under a new state law, Texas parole officials can soon begin deporting some of the 11,000 foreign citizens who are incarcerated in state prisons.
The Austin American-Statesman reports the program could save taxpayers millions of dollars.
The state law, which takes effect Sept. 1, allows the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to approve convicts for parole on the condition they are deported to their home country. The law covers foreigners convicted of both violent and nonviolent crimes.
During a meeting Wednesday in Austin, the parole board was assured by federal immigration officials that foreign citizens who are deported -- most probably back to Mexico -- will actually be sent to their home countries and not turned loose in Texas.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
