The father of an Irish man facing deportation from America says his son's family, work and home is in the US.
37-year-old Keith Byrne went to the US in 2007 under the visa waiver programme and overstayed.
He is now married to an American woman. The couple have two children, while Keith also become a stepfather to his wife's son from a previous marriage.
Keith was arrested last week on the way to work.
His family has now begun a fundraising campaign in a bid to raise money to 'keep their family together'.
Keith's father says his son was caught with marijuana at home in Ireland when he was 21.
Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show, Jim Byrne explained: "He was fined for being in possession of two marijuana joints... if it was a huge amount of drugs he'd have done time... He was fined and it was forgotten about.
"He hasn't even smoked since. He's been in America for 12 years, and he hasn't touched anything. He hasn't come to the attention of any of the authorities in America."
Jim spoke to his son yesterday, observing: "He was in fantastic form yesterday in comparison to the two previous days.
"His wife was speaking to him before me, and she read out articles out of the papers in Philadelphia and the support he was getting - that gave him a great lift.
"I also told him that all the radio stations and newspapers here in Ireland were giving him fantastic coverage... he's a different person now."
Jim said all they can be at the moment hopeful.
He said: "It's beginning to snowball now, and hopefully it will keep going.
"I don't want to see Keith home here - that might sound a bit bad, but what I really mean by that is he's been looking over his shoulder for the last 12 years.
"I don't want to see him over here struggling to get back to the States - that's where his family is, that's where his home is, that's where his work is.
"I want to see Keith coming home here for a holiday with his family, and going back when that holiday is over - that's what I wish for."
Speaking today, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said he won't comment on any individual cases.
However, he stressed there is an 'issue' regarding undocumented Irish across the US.
Minister Flanagan said: "I believe it's important that we continue to make strong representations on these matters.
"I would hope that an appropriate piece of legislation might be passed this year."
