A Seattle immigration judge has granted a continuance in the deportation case of immigration rights activist Maru Mora-Villalpando. A large crowd gathered outside of the Immigration Court building on 2nd Avenue Tuesday afternoon to stand in solidarity with Mora-Villalpando.

Mora-Villalpando's next court hearing is in January. The judge granted her time to begin applying for permanent residency in the U.S.

That process will start in August, when Mora-Villalpando’s daughter Josefina turns 21, the legal age to sponsor her.

Josefina Mora said it was an unexpected turn of events.

"It makes me feel very privileged but also very thankful that I get to stay with my mom, but it also makes me think about all the people who are my age, younger children who either can’t be with their parents or are separated from their parents," said Mora.