VANCOUVER - Support is pouring in from across Canada for a B.C. man facing deportation because of past links to a Salvadoran political party that is now the democratically elected government.

Jose Figueroa fled to Canada more than 13 years ago after receiving threats on his life because he supported a revolutionary group that fought a military dictatorship.

His case lay idle for years until six months ago, when immigration officials said his membership with the FMLN made him inadmissable on security grounds.

A turning point may come Tuesday, the deadline for the father of three to submit an application for the federal Minister of Public Safety to grant him an exemption.

In recent months, academics, local politicians and citizens have mailed letters of support to the minister and more than 1,000 signatures have been collected on a petition.

Sasha Wood, who's heading the campaign, says she'd be proud to have somebody who stands up for what is right join her as a Canadian citizen.