Pennsylvania man cleared after 43 years denied bail in deportation fight

A Pennsylvania man whose 1980 murder conviction was overturned after 43 years was denied bail Tuesday and remains in immigration custody as he appeals a 1999 deportation order; the Board of Immigration Appeals agreed to hear his appeal based on what it called exceptional circumstances.

Subramanyam Vedam spent 43 years in prison before a judge recently overturned his 1980 murder conviction based on ballistics evidence prosecutors had not disclosed. He was taken into federal immigration custody after his planned release and was denied bail Tuesday while he continues to fight deportation. The Board of Immigration Appeals has agreed to hear his appeal and described the case as involving exceptional circumstances. Immigration officials and an immigration judge have said a prior felony drug conviction affects detention and removal decisions. Key facts: - Vedam, 64, had his 1980 murder conviction thrown out after prosecutors failed to disclose ballistics evidence during his trials. - He was transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody upon release and was denied bail while appealing a 1999 deportation order. - The Board of Immigration Appeals agreed to review his appeal on grounds described as exceptional circumstances, but no hearing date has been set. - An immigration judge said detention is mandatory because of a felony drug conviction and cited concerns about public safety. Summary: Vedam remains detained as he pursues an appeal of a long-standing deportation order. The Board of Immigration Appeals has agreed to review his appeal, but no hearings have been scheduled. Status undetermined at this time.