Harvard Film Student Stuck In Mexico Is Back On U.S. Soil

SAN YSIDRO (CBSLA.com) — A Harvard University student stuck in Mexico over an immigration issue has returned to the United States.

Mexico-born Dario Guerrero crossed the border in San Ysidro late Tuesday, a day after being granted a humanitarian visa.

From there, the 21-year-old film student planned to return to his home in Long Beach and deliver his mother's ashes, which was her last wish.

"I understood the consequences. Thankfully, everything was able to be worked out within a few months. It could have taken a lot longer," Guerrero said.

Guerrero's mother died in August.

She had been diagnosed with cancer, which prompted Guerrero to take her to his native country for alternative treatment.

However, by traveling to Mexico, authorities said he had broken an immigration rule by "deporting himself" and was denied re-entry.

Guerrero was brought into the United States illegally as a toddler, however, he has protection under the Dream Act.

Guerrero will return to Harvard in January and plans to graduate in 2016.