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Pocono News Section
Spared From Deportation, Released From Jail
Spared From Deportation, Released From Jail - Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 11:17PM EST
Reported by: Joe Holden
Thursday, Mar 6, 2008 @11:17pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- "I'm so happy. It's great." That was Rukie Paputchi's reaction when asked about being released from Pike County prison after spending some 60 days there for the charge of an immigration violation. Paputchi left jail Wednesday afternoon following intervention by a Federal Court of Appeals judge.
Paputchi's husband, Zack, was working at the family's Sciota, Monroe County, pizza place when he received a call around noon Wednesday from the family's Philadelphia attorney. "I said I'm making pizzas. He said 'stop making pizza, you have to go pick up your wife.' And I dropped my apron."
The Paputchi's case has roiled local attention after Rukie was thrown in jail in early January: an alleged result of years of mistakes and oversights at the hands of federal immigration authorities. Their attorney, Theodore Murphy, argued a change in law complicated the process. "There were changes in the law about 12 years ago, which have affected Zack and Rukie directly."
The Paputchis had two children in the United States after fleeing communist Bulgaria more than 17 years ago. They long believed they qualified for legal permanent resident status.
After close to two months in jail, the family says they harbor no anger. "We can't be mad, because things happen," Zack Paputchi said.
Attorney Murphy wants the case brought before an immigration judge. The latest development is considered a victory. But the overall fight is far from finished.
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