An Indian citizen, Subramanyam Vedam, may be released from ICE custody after a judge cleared the way, following the overturning of his Pennsylvania murder conviction after four decades in prison.
U.S. Immigration Judge Adam Panopoulos ruled that Vedam, 64, is genuinely rehabilitated and does not pose a danger to the public, citing his efforts to improve literacy among inmates and strong family ties.
Vedam's 1982 murder conviction for the 1980 shooting of Thomas Kinser was overturned late last year after a Centre County judge found that crucial ballistics evidence had not been disclosed by prosecutors.
Despite the overturned murder conviction, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeks to deport Vedam to India based on unrelated drug distribution convictions, with a DHS lawyer arguing against his right to stay.
Vedam, who was brought to the U.S. as an infant and is a legal permanent resident, vehemently denied the murder charge and hopes to live with a relative in California and pursue a doctoral program if released.
IN FULL
Judge blocks deportation of man who spent 40 years behind bars before exoneration