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