No Deportations to a Disaster Zone

In a decision that proves even public officials have bursts of compassion and common sense, the U.S. government will not be deporting undocumented Haitians to an island devastated by a crippling quake:

The Obama administration said Friday it will allow Haitians who were already in the U.S. illegally to remain for the time being because of their country's catastrophic earthquake.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano granted the temporary protected status on Friday, two days after she temporarily halted deportations of Haitians, even those already in detention.

A good move, one that even border hawks have endorsed. Though if Napolitano and Obama were willing to burn a little political capital to help some people in need—or, more exactly, to allow some needy people more opportunities for self-help—this would be a perfect time to lay out the welcome mat for Haitians over there who'd like to come here.

[Hat tip: Hannah Sassaman.]