The process started Monday morning when Father Gallagher came to Sioux Falls to meet with U.S. Homeland Security Immigration officials. The big development came Saturday in the form of a letter.

In that letter was the development Father Gallagher and his supporters were hoping for.

Outside the immigration office, Father Gallagher read that letter.

"We have reopened the above application or petition, or reconsidered the decision previously issued," read Father Gallagher.

Father Gallagher described the meeting as a formality where they just took his picture and made new impressions of his fingerprints.

He says he has a new admiration for the people of the homeland security department.

"Is my faith in the system restored? I don't think so. But is my faith in the people who work the system alive and well? Very much so," said Father Gallagher.

His friends say it's hard, but they don't want to get too excited.

"We don't want to get our hopes up too high, but every time we get a notice it gets a little better," said Parishioner Patti Ward Slater.

Father Gallagher was replaced from his DeSmet parish when it looked like he'd have to leave the country.

Now, even with this good news, he says he's not looking too far forward.

"I want to get my own house in order first. I want to know where I stand before I start walking," said Father Gallagher.

Father says he has no idea how long it will take immigration officials to take this latest look at his case.