Judge Orders 8 Iraqis Deported

Eight Iraqi men who say they have been wrongly accused of being spies for Saddam Hussein were ordered Friday to be deported to Iraq.

Although a legal defeat, the ruling allows them to proceed to a second phase of the immigration hearing and apply for political asylum.

The men, who have been jailed at a Lancaster facility, say they were recruited by the CIA in a failed attempt to oust Hussein. They deny being spies and claim that deportation would be tantamount to a death sentence because Hussein would execute them.

Immigration Judge D.D. Sitgraves ruled that the Iraqis, brought to this country by the U.S. after Hussein crushed the opposition last year, must leave because they lack visas and proper work permits. The men were part of a larger group, most of whom have been granted asylum.

U.S. prosecutors now must present evidence on why they believe the men are risks to U.S.security. Much of the evidence at the Nov. 5 hearing will be presented to the judge in secret because it has been classified by the U.S. government.

If the deportation order is upheld, the men may take their case to an immigration appellate court, then to the U.S. Court of Appeals.