A Korean doctoral student with permanent residency in the United States was released after spending more than four months in immigration custody. His case, widely publicized by community organizations, raised concerns about the length of the process and the conditions in which he was detained since his arrival in the country.

The release was recently confirmed, and his entourage described the moment as an "unexpected relief" after months of uncertainty about his future within the immigration system.

The release of “Will”

According to the Houston Chronicle, Tae Heung “Will” Kim was released after the prosecutor in charge of the case failed to submit the required documentation on time to support the deportation process. This omission halted the proceedings and allowed him to leave the detention center.

For NAKASEC, the case demonstrated that “collective action is powerful” and played a key role in the student finally being able to return home.

How to start the case

According to ABC News and AsAm News, Kim was detained in July at San Francisco International Airport upon returning from his brother's wedding in South Korea. Immigration officials held him for more than a week inside the airport, denying him immediate access to a lawyer and offering no clear explanation to his defense.

According to AsAm News, the only previous infraction on his record was a minor offense for possession of marijuana, which occurred about 14 years ago, for which he performed community service.

Although the charge had been resolved, immigration officials suggested that this prior incident prompted the detention proceedings. Kim was subsequently transferred to an ICE facility, where he remained for more than four months.

Who is Tae Heung Kim?

Nakasec emphasized that Kim has built her entire life in the United States, with deep family and academic ties. Her family, who followed the case closely, stated that the immigration process was emotionally draining and that the uncertainty affected all of her daily activities.

What could happen now with their immigration status

According to experts cited by ABC News, although Kim was released, his case is not completely closed. The prosecution could attempt to reopen the proceedings if it gathers new documentation, although the lack of solid grounds weakens the possibility of the process continuing. For now, his legal team is working to ensure he can resume his studies without further interruptions.