overturned that decision in 1999. In 2001, Attorney General Janet Reno threw out the appeals court decision, but did not grant Ms. Alvarado asylum. (Because the immigration courts are part of the executive branch, not the judiciary, the attorney general is the highest legal authority.)

In 2004, the Department of Homeland Security, which represents the government in immigration cases, argued for the first time in favor of asylum for Ms. Alvarado. Attorney General John Ashcroft ordered a new review but did not reach a decision. In September 2008, Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey sent the case back to the immigration appeals court, encouraging the court to issue a precedent-setting ruling. Such a ruling can come only from an immigration appeals court or a federal court.

The large legal question inThe Latest on the indictment of a South Carolina sheriff (all times local):

5:30 p.m.

Authorities say the chief deputy in a South Carolina county reported what he thought was improper spending by the sheriff, who has now been arrested.

Interim Florence County Sheriff Billy Barnes said Wednesday that he is asking for the State Law Enforcement Division to audit the sheriff's office finances after Sheriff Kenney Boone was charged with embezzlement Wednesday.

Barnes said in a statement to reporters that SLED started investigating Boone after Chief Deputy Glenn Kirby noticed discrepancies in the his boss's spending.

Barnes says the sheriff's office suffered a black eye after Boone's arrest but will do everything possible to correct it.

The indictments against Boone say he used county funds and drug seizure money to buy groceries, window