IRISH IMMIGRANT Keith Byrne will be released from prison today, according to reports.
The uncertainty about Mr Byrne’s status in the United States after his arrest by the Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) is looking slightly more hopeful today as a US federal judge has ordered his release from prison.
He has been detained in Pike County Correctional Facility for ten days, but Pennsylvanian media outlet The Philly Voice is reporting that he is expected to be released today.
Speaking to the media outlet, Mr Byrne’s attorney Thomas M. Griffin says he expects the Irishman to “get back to [his wife] Keran and the kids, and continue his fight for legalisation,”
The ruling comes after an Irish international lawyer appealed to ICE to overturn the decision to deport the Cork man, citing his good character and the historical contributions of his family to the country.
While it is a win for Mr Byrne and his family, the battle is far from over.
The Irishman did not return to Ireland after his 90-day holiday Visa ran out over a decade ago—instead he fell in love, married, gained a stepson and had two children of his own. He also runs his own painting and decorating business.
Mr Byrne has been attempting to secure citizenship for the past ten years, but two offences for the possession of a small amount of marijuana while he was still living in Ireland has hindered his efforts.
His most recent appeal is awaiting review, and while nothing is guaranteed, Mr Byrne and his family are most certainly breathing a sigh of relief that they can be together while they await the final decision.
