An immigration judge in Miami has given an aspiring artist a temporary reprieve as he fights to stay in this country.

During a hearing on Thursday, the judge granted Meynardo Garcia, 18, a 6 month reprieve from being deported back to Mexico. In that time, the teens lawyer plans to file a private bill to keep him in the U.S. permanently.

Garcia’s mother broke the law years ago when she slipped into the United States illegally from Mexico. In 2000, Garcia’s mother paid a smuggler to have her son brought across the border illegally so they could start a better life in the U.S.

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“It’s not fair because everyone who comes here for a better life,” said Garcia. “I was a kid, I can’t be punished for something I didn’t do.”

Meynardo’s father, who obtained U.S. residency, or a green card, has had no contact with the teenager for years. He reportedly lives somewhere in South Florida, but has not petitioned for the young man.

Last April, Meynado received a $72 thousand dollar scholarship to the Art Institute of Weston.

Source: CBS4