Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jan 2000 Source: Daily Telegraph (UK) Copyright: Telegraph Group Limited 2000 Contact: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ Author: Deborah Aaron Ref: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00.n061.a01.html US DRUG SANCTION SIR - I am interested in Mo Mowlam's use of cannabis as a student (report, Jan 17). As a student in 1976, I was convicted and fined 10 pounds, and appropriate amount for an obviously minimal offence. However, unfortunately for me, this conviction renders me deportable from the United States, which has been my home for most of my adult life. The American government is completely intractable about allowing me permanent residency, terming me an "aggravated felon" and telling me that my only recourse is to request that the British nullify my conviction. (The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act effectively does this, but the US Government arbitrarily dismisses it.) DEBORAH AARON Venice California, USA - --- MAP posted-by: manemez j lovitto