U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have held a Union City man in detention in Essex County Jail since the beginning of December. Deportation for the husband and father of three was imminent until publicity surrounding the case attracted attention and the help of an immigration attorney.

The 50-year-old, who entered the U.S. illegally from El Salvador nearly 30 years ago, will have his case heard in immigration court. ICE agreed to set a $5,000 bail for the immigrant, whose wife has taken on overtime work to gain her husband's freedom. Other members of the immigrant's family contributed $1,000 toward the goal.

The Union City immigrant entered the country illegally and has a criminal record, although convictions for the crimes are more than 20 years old. Family members claim the immigrant's earlier brush with the law has little to do with the law-abiding husband and father the man has become.

The record of convictions is the reason immigration officials are keeping the Union City man locked up. ICE was planning a prompt deportation, but relented when the immigration lawyer filed for a stay.

Allowing the long-term resident to be released into family custody will set him on the road to possible permanent residency. The attorney handling the immigrant's case admitted that the pursuit of a green card could take a long time.

Other than getting immigration officials to reconsider his deportation, the next legal step is to free the immigrant from prison. According to the man's immigration lawyer, continued detention could force the court to make a quick decision.

If the New Jersey man is allowed to go home, the attorney says the immigrant's family will benefit immensely. The immigrant will gain time to prepare his case to remain in the United States.

Source: NJ.com, "Union City man who faced deportation to get new hearing, may be released on bail," Terrence T. McDonald, Feb. 3, 2012