After being arrested four years ago and subjected to a deportation process, Mexican immigrant Jose G. Herrera became a defender of the rights of the undocumented and on Monday celebrated having obtained U.S. permanent residence.

Immigration Judge Robert Vinikoor granted residence to Herrera on Nov. 1 for his good moral character and because of the extreme difficulties his U.S.-born son would face if his father were deported.

“Here goes one who has been freed, but there are still millions,” Herrera told Efe.