The Karim family – parents Nigel and Pearl, Crystal (13) and Calvin (11) – were forced out of their family home on Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, early Wednesday morning after armed police and immigration officials swooped on the house.
They were taken to Yarlswood detention centre, near Luton, in Bedfordshire and kept there until yesterday when it is believed that a community-wide campaign, which received the support of Pendle MP Gordon Prentice, forced the Home Office to reconsider their decision.
Crystal's headteacher at Fisher-More High School, Mr Brendan Conboy, said: "The family sent in one application for asylum, which was rejected. They then sent a further application which the Home Office claim has been lost.
"Coupled with the campaign to keep the family in Nelson, this has forced the Home Office to reconsider their original decision to deport the family within 72 hours.
"There is, however, the very real danger that people will say 'Great that's it, they're staying', but that's not really the case. We have every reason to continue campaigning and keep working for them."
The Karim family fled to Nelson from Pakistan four years ago after Mr Karim received death threats following his conversion to the Catholic faith.
Since the family's arrival in Nelson they have been active members of the community.
Although unable to work, as they were seeking asylum, Mrs Karim helped out at her son's school, Holy Saviour RC Primary, Nelson, and was a voluntary worker for the British Heart Foundation.
Fr Christopher Gorton, parish priest at Holy Saviour RC Church, held a candlelit vigil for the family on the day they were taken to Yarlswood, where more than 250 members of the community gathered to say prayers.
Fr Gorton said: "The Karims are a super family and played a big part in the life of the church. We will do everything we can to help them.
"They are a genuine family with a genuine fear for their own safety if they are forced to return to Pakistan.
"They desperately wanted to work and were determined to contribute to society in this country - and this is how they are treated."
On the day the family was transported from their home, Calvin was due to sit a SATs test, but his desk remained empty as his classmates completed their exams.
Teacher Mrs Tricia Bedford said: "We didn't tell the other children what had happened until after the test, they were absolutely devastated.
"Calvin was always keen to be involved in everything and is a big part of this school, many of his friends were in tears."
Mr Conboy said: "This incident shows the power of community spirit and we really need to celebrate that.
"The kids at the school are now delighted that the Karim family are on their way back, it has been a real roller coaster, but we are determined to keep up with the campaign and continue fighting to keep them in Nelson."
It is believed that, at the time of going to press, Mrs Karim's family were on the way to Bedforshire to pick them up.