Indonesians in NJ Fear Deportation, Despite Deal

Federal lawmakers are planning to introduce legislation aimed at helping a group of Indonesian immigrants facing deportation, despite what they say is a special agreement with federal authorities that allows them to live and work in the U.S.

More than 70 Indonesian immigrants from New Jersey have been sent deportation warnings.

The Rev. Seth Kaper-Dale of Highland Park, says the agreement protected groups of Indonesians in New Jersey, New York and New Hampshire.

The majority of the affected immigrants are Christians who fled persecution in Indonesia, were denied asylum in the U.S., but were allowed to remain under special circumstances.

Democrat Reps. Carolyn Maloney of New York and Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey are co-sponsoring a bill to try and help them.