The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of New York.

Please issue pardon to exiled U.S. military veteran Hans C. Irizarry who was deported because of New York criminal conviction.

Veterans problem with the law are often directly related to their military service. PTSD, depression, drug addiction, and alcoholism lead to risky, sometimes unlawful behavior.

They have already satisfied the courts with fines, jail and/or prison time, probation and/or parole, and community service. Just as other felons are not, these veterans should not be subjected to this additional punishment either.

This patriots are suffering greatly. They are separated from their families and friends, cut off from their GI benefits, and often force to endure hostility in an unfamiliar land.

Former Governor Brown of California and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico have set good examples by granting pardons to military veterans convicted in their respective states.

Please join this honorable list of courageous and fair-minded leaders by granting well deserved pardons to banished veterans, as one of your actions.

[Adding insult to injury! Deported veterans denied earned GI benefits, including VA medical care, are dying in foreign countries. Ironically, once deceased, their remains are being returned to the U.S., where they received funerals with full military honors and burials at National Cemeteries.]