HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut woman who was ordered deported because of past criminal convictions has been granted a stay by the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont announced Tuesday the board also agreed to reconsider the case of Wayzaro Walton, who faced deportation even though she was pardoned by the state for felony shoplifting and less serious crimes committed more than seven years ago. She’s been detained since March.

The 35-year-old has lived legally in the U.S. for most of her life. She came here from England when she was 4 years old.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong recently filed a lawsuit defending the legitimacy of Connecticut pardons, which are issued by a state board. Federal immigration officials have argued that a state pardon needs to come from a governor.

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