Jonathan Pollard Released: What Will Convicted Spy Do After Leaving Prison Following 30 Years Behind Bars?

Jonathan Pollard was likely looking forward to being united with his wife, Esther, after serving 30 years in prison for giving U.S intelligence to Israel. The American citizen walked out of a federal prison in North Carolina Friday morning, but just because he is no longer behind bars doesn’t mean he has complete freedom.

What lies ahead for the convicted spy isn't entirely clear, but some aspects of his future life are decided. He won’t be able to separate himself too much from the authorities, as he must remain under federal supervision while on parole for the next five years, the Associated Press reported.

Just a couple of hours after his release, Pollard had already checked in with the federal probation office in New York. He is set to live in the New York City area, and for employment, Pollard has already secured a job in the finance department of a New York investment firm, according to a reporter from NPR.

Pollard, a former intelligence analyst for the U.S. Navy, was arrested in 1985, eventually pleading guilty to giving Israel classified documents. Some of the documents included Arab military and Soviet weapons intelligence, as well as information on American spycraft methods.

His ability to travel will be limited, as Pollard isn’t allowed outside the United States without permission from the government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested President Barack Obama not prohibit Pollard from leaving the U.S., a standard prohibition for parolees.

The White House has said it does not plan to alter any part of the parole. Some of Pollard’s supporters have questioned why it is necessary to bar him from leaving the United States since his prison sentence is complete.

Besides not being able to travel outside the country, Pollard will be watched constantly, according to the AP. He not only has a curfew, he is also forbidden from using the Internet and required to wear an electronic unit to track where he is, something his lawyers have opposed.

Wearing an ankle monitor could be dangerous for him because of his medical conditions, which include diabetes and edema, or swelling, his lawyers argued. How Pollard’s parole conditions might change in the future are up for debate, as his lawyers have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Parole Commission.

The monitoring bracelet, along with inspections Pollard must submit to, are not necessary for a 61-year-old man, his lawyers added, arguing that such requirements are more suited to pedophiles and stalkers, NPR reported.

Parole conditions vary widely for inmates, but rules for convicts released from a federal pen include agreements not to leave one's home state, frequent meetings with parole officers and curfews, according to the Families Against Mandatory Minimums advocacy group. Additional typical conditions include not possessing or using drugs, alcohol or firearms, keeping a job and not associating with people who have criminal backgrounds.

Esther, who married Pollard while he was imprisoned, is his second wife. His first wife, Anne, was convicted of espionage with him and served three and half years.