Mr. Fischer was taken into custody at the airport last month while preparing to board a flight for the Philippines using a passport that U.S. officials say was revoked. He has since applied for political asylum in Japan.
The 61-year-old former chess champion is wanted in the United States for playing a match 12 years ago in the former Yugoslavia, a move that defied international sanctions. He faces possible jail time if convicted.
Mr. Fischer's lawyer sent a letter to the White House, asking President Bush to show her client mercy. He wants to renounce his U.S. citizenship.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.