Judge Puts Temporary Hold on College Student's Deportation

The deportation of a Florida State University graduate student has been delayed. 

The immigration judge presiding over 23-year-old Andrea Huerfano's case has given the student and activist six more months to figure out a lawful way to remain in the country.

Huerfano, who was born in Colombia and moved to Florida with her parents in 2001, was released to her family after spending a week at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach.

On December 8, Huerfano went to court to pay a traffic ticket for driving with an expired license and failing to stop at a red light.  It was then she was detained by immigration officials.

Since her detainment, more than 700 people have signed a petition asking Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to let Huerfano stay in the country.  More than 1,000 people have also joined a Facebook group created in support of Huerfano called "Halt the Deportation of Student Activist Andre Huerfano!"

Every year, countless people who were brought to the United States as children by their parents face deportation as an adult because they never obtained residency or citizenship. If you or someone you know is facing deportation, click here to find an immigration lawyer near you!