Clemency board unanimously recommends pardon for Milton water‑department worker facing deportation

The Clemency & Pardons Board unanimously recommended a governor’s pardon for Mei (May) Yi on March 8, 2024, after hearing testimony about Yi’s long residence, employment history and family responsibilities.

Frederick Wang, counsel for Yi, told the board that Yi pleaded guilty in 2005 to a drug offense, served a term and later faced immigration consequences. Wang outlined a lengthy administrative and appellate history in immigration proceedings and supplied letters from local officials and community members supporting a pardon to avoid deportation.

Yi spoke directly to the board and expressed remorse for the 2005 conduct: "I plead guilty... I still feel bad about my action," he told the panel. Witnesses included Yi's wife, Kim Sayyee, who described 27 years of marriage and two children; coworker William Fonda and neighbor Ronald Cole described Yi as a valued employee and community member. Wang emphasized that there have been no criminal incidents since 2005 and that Yi has steady employment with the City of Milton's water department.

Board members weighed public‑safety concerns against family and community impacts. Raymond Dela Streis moved for a recommendation; Rhonda Salveson seconded. The board voted 5–0 to recommend a pardon to the governor. Chair Janssen congratulated the family and closed the hearing.

Next steps: The recommendation will be forwarded to the governor's office for final action; a pardon could affect Yi's immigration status but does not itself guarantee relief from federal immigration proceedings.