Deported ex-Marine wins case to return to US from Mexico

SAN DIEGO (AP) - A former Marine who was deported to Mexico 15 years ago after he was convicted of a minor offense has won his fight to return to the United States.

Marco Chavez told The Associated Press on Monday that he was looking forward to reuniting with his three sons after missing their childhoods.

He is now 45 and they range in age from 17 to 21.

An immigration judge's ruling last month is allowing Chavez' return and came after California's governor pardoned Chavez.

He was convicted in 1998 of animal cruelty for a dog beating but said another person was responsible.

He was deported in 2002 to Mexico, the country he left as a baby.

American Civil Liberties Union attorney Jennie Pasquarella says the case gives hope to other deported veterans.