An Irishman who is facing deportation from America has launched a fresh bid to remain with his family.
Cork native Keith Byrne, who is married to US citizen Keren Byrne, travelled to the US on a 90-day visa waiver programme in 2007 but overstayed his visa.
The father of three has two previous convictions for possession of cannabis while living in Ireland, which have added to his struggle with US authorities.
Keith was nabbed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on July 10 while on his way to work on the outskirts of Philadelphia.
The Fermoy man described his detention experience in Pike County Jail in Pennsylvania as being “awful”.
Now Keith has until September 13 to make a fresh application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, The Irish Sun reports.
He spent two weeks in custody before a judge granted him a temporary 30-day release to file a legal bid against deportation.
His reprieve will be up this week, however, Keith's legal team have been assured he will not be re-arrested.
Keith told RTE News it was ‘really special’ to be reunited with his wife and three kids after his detention, saying: “It’s good to be home. It’s where I belong”.
The Corkman married wife Keren in 2009 and two kids, he also became stepdad to a child from Keren’s previous relationship.
His efforts to obtain a green card have failed because of two cannabis possession convictions while he was living in Ireland.
He added: “It’s kind of embarrassing. It’s a 14 year-old fine that I paid in court so I don’t know what message people are giving out by sending me home over that.
“I’ve made a good life over here so, I’ve paid my penalty.”
“I would just say that those people don’t know me and they don’t know how many years that I’ve spent in court fighting for my status.”
Keith, who stressed he has ‘never hid’ in the US, concluded: “I came here and I got lucky. I’ve lived the ‘American dream’. Hard work made good luck, so may it continue”.
“I’m optimistic. I’m hopeful. I’m just going to leave it with the law and hopefully my lawyers can make it happen. I’m just going to keep working hard and keep doing what I was doing.”
Keith insisted if the worst case scenario happens and he is deported back to Ireland “it would be horrible” and that “nothing good comes from sending me home”.
