SEATTLE - A recent University of Washington graduate who was within hours of being deported has been given new hope that he may be allowed to stay in the United States.

U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Seattle, introduced what's called a "personal bill" regarding Alonso Chehade's case, which could be the first step toward a possible reprieve. Chehade's supporters are hoping this will force a review of his case by immigration authorities.

Chehade is a Peruvian national who has been living in the U.S. illegally.

Chehade's illegal status is no secret; his life in the U.S. began at 14, when he was brought by his parents. In the eight years since, he made Seattle his home. Last June he graduated from the UW with a business degree.

Yet he was scheduled to board a flight to Peru at 6 a.m. Thursday, with little hope of returning until McDermott stepped in, and he has been ordered to leave the country by midnight Friday at the latest.

The 22-year-old said he couldn't fathom uprooting his life and starting over in Peru.

"So I feel that I deserve a chance to have the opportunity to have a normal life," he said.

Immigration officials say Friday night's departure deadline is still in force, but Chehade and his supporters hope McDermott's bill will force a review of his case, which could lead to a temporary reprieve.

Chehade was so encouraged that he decided not to board Thursday's 6 a.m. flight to Peru.

State Rep. Dave Quall, chairman of the House Education Committee, agrees with McDermott that Chehade should stay. The Democrat from Mount Vernon believes the young man would do well if he stays in this country.

"You can see he's a quality person," said Quall. "And we've made a huge investment, and to just discard it doesn't seem like the right thing to do."

With the deportation on hold, Chehade's lawyers are trying to figure out their next moves.