Chinese Refugees Win Temporary Stay in U.S.

Nearly 40 Chinese refugees who fled their homeland 10 years ago aboard a freighter will not be deported while they seek amnesty from Congress, a federal immigration official says.

That protection, while temporary, marks a major victory for the 38 refugees, who have lived in daily fear of being sent back to China as they seek permanent U.S. residency.

They are the last of more than 300 Chinese aboard the rickety freighter who are still trying to resolve their residency status. The others have since either been granted residency or deported, or have moved out of the country to avoid arrest.