Washington: US Attorney General John Ashcroft has ruled that government can detain illegal immigrants indefinitely if federal authorities determine they pose a threat to national security.

In a 19-page opinion, in response to request by the Department of Homeland Security in a case involving a Haitian immigrant, Ashcroft said, "Such national security considerations clearly constitute a reasonable foundation for the exercise of my discretion to deny release on bond."

Signed last week, the opinion has not been made public but has been reviewed by several immigration judges and attorneys, who told the media on April 24 that it appears to reaffirm that the Justice Department, not the Department of Homeland Security, retains primary authority over immigration law.

The opinion, according to those who have reviewed it, said 'The Washington Times', gives the Attorney General "broad discretion" in determining the status of detained illegal immigrants in the country."

PTI