The former Rutgers University student convicted of bias for using a webcam to spy on his gay roommate, causing him to commit suicide, was released from jail Tuesday and reportedly will not be deported to his native India.
Dharun Ravi, 20, served 20 days of a 30 day sentence. Ravi used a webcam to watch Tyler Clementi, get intimate with another man. Ravi invited friends and Twitter followers to view the encounter. Clementi, 18, jumped off the George Washington Bridge in September 2010.
The case sparked nationwide outrage and brought to light the severe repercussions of cyber bullying.
The New York Times quoted Immigration and Customs Enforcement as saying they cannot deport individuals like Ravi, who are legal U.S. residents, unless they are convicted of a serious felony, domestic violence, drug or weapons charges or “crimes of moral turpitude.”
“Based on a review of Mr. Ravi’s criminal record, ICE is not initiating removal proceedings at this time,” said Ross Feinstein, a spokesman for the immigration and customs agency.
Immigration officials said the decision would be reconsidered only if Ravi, who moved here from India when he was 6, committed crimes in the future.
Prosecutors are appealing Ravi’s sentence, saying that he should serve more time.
