June 11, 2008, 10:31AM
NY court grants 3 women new chance to stay in US


By LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press Writer
© 2008 The Associated Press


NEW YORK — A Manhattan appeals court has granted three women who suffered genital mutilation in their native Guinea a new chance to stay in the United States.

The federal appeals court says the U.S. government should have presumed the women would face further harm once it was established that they had undergone genital mutilation.

The process usually involves the removal of the clitoris and other parts of female genitalia. Those who practice it say it reduces a girl's sexual desire and maintains her honor.

The Board of Immigration Appeals had denied the women the right to stay in the United States.

Justice Department lawyer Michael C. Heyse declined to comment on the ruling Wednesday.



http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/ ... 31094.html