Flashback: John Lennon wins legal battle to stay in America

Thirty-one years ago today (October 7th, 1975), John Lennon won his four-year battle against deportation by the U.S. government. Due to his stance against the Vietnam war, the Beatle had been under almost constant surveillance from the FBI and the Immigration & Neutralization Service (INS) since his arrival in the States in 1971.

Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act have shown that plans were put into motion to deport Lennon as early as February 4th, 1972. Senator Strom Thurmond issued a memo, classified as secret, claiming Lennon was a threat to the 1972 Republican National Convention, and advised that, "If Lennon's visa is terminated, it would be a strategy counter measure." The government used Lennon's 1968 marijuana conviction as the basis for their attempt to have him deported.

Lennon battled back and was granted temporary visa extensions while his case was appealed. In September of 1975, the INS gave Lenon temporary non-priority (deportation) status because his wife, Yoko Ono, was pregnant. Finally, on October 7th, 1975 the U.S. Court of Appeals in New York overturned the order from the INS to deport Lennon. In their 30-page decision, the court stated that his previous marijuana conviction couldn't be used as grounds to prevent Lennon from seeking permanent residency. It went on to say that, quote, "Lennon's four-year battle to remain in our country is a testimony to his faith in his American dream."

Two days later, on Lennon's 35th birthday, Yoko gave birth to their son Sean. Lennon told reporters at the time that, "I feel higher than the Empire State building." On July 27th, 1976 Lennon was awarded his "green card," which officially granted him permanent residency status.

In 1980 Lennon dedicated his "comeback" album Double Fantasy to "people known and unknown who helped us stay in this country."

The musician and political activist was killed outside his New York City home on December 8th 1980. He would have been eligible to become a U.S. citizen in 1981.

Out now in theaters is The U.S. vs. John Lennon, which chronicles his fight to remain in America.
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