Federal Homeland Security agents in April raided the IFCO pallet factory in Chicago and threatened to deport 26 workers. But immigrant rights advocates have something to cheer about after 15 of those workers yesterday got a reprieve.

The workers’ families and protestors prayed and sang outside the immigration judge’s office.

One family’s prayers got answered. Elicio Chavez emerged from the judge’s office, with a triumphant smile. He said the judge gave him a year to stay in the country.

“I feel very moved but calm. We’re going to keep fighting for those who are with us. And for those who come and go through the same thing, they should keep fighting, too,” he said.

Immigrant rights groups want Congress to allow undocumented workers like Chavez to apply for citizenship. But if that doesn’t happen, Chavez and fourteen other IFCO workers must leave the U.S.

Eleven other Chicago IFCO employees face immigration hearings later this year.