News Summary
The recent arrest of Alireza Doroudi, a PhD student from Iran at the University of Alabama, has sent shockwaves through the local international student community. Doroudi’s student visa was revoked without clear justification, leading to his detention by immigration officers. This incident has heightened anxiety among Iranian students, many of whom now feel their legal status is precarious. The university acknowledges the situation but offers scant details due to privacy laws. Concerns are growing over the broader implications for international students facing similar challenges amid strict immigration policies.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Alireza Doroudi, a 32-year-old mechanical engineering doctoral student from Shiraz, Iran, was detained by immigration officers at his residence near the University of Alabama, shaking the local international student community. The incident occurred early in the morning, with seven armed officers arresting Doroudi, significantly impacting his fiancée, Sama Ebrahimi Bajgani, and their plans for the future.
Doroudi had legally entered the United States on a student visa in January 2023 and was informed by his university that as long as he remained a student, he could stay. However, his visa was unexpectedly revoked in June 2023, leaving him without clear reasons from the embassy. Following his arrest, Doroudi spent three days in a county jail before being transferred to a Louisiana immigration detention facility, where he awaits a deportation hearing scheduled for next week.
Concerns have escalated within the Iranian student population at the University of Alabama, where over 13% of the graduate program comprises international students, including more than 100 from Iran. Bajgani described their life as “upended,” emphasizing the anxiety felt by many students who are now taking precautions to avoid unnecessary outings and expressing fears regarding their legal status in the wake of Doroudi’s detention. A fellow Iranian student reported losing over 10 pounds due to the stress and uncertainty surrounding immigration policies.
The University of Alabama acknowledged Doroudi’s detention but did not disclose specific details in compliance with federal privacy laws. They reiterated the importance of international students on campus and provided resources to assist with compliance to federal regulations. This reassurance, however, has done little to alleviate the fear among Iranian students, many of whom feel the university is unaware of the severity of the situation since a visit by a former president.
Since late March, a troubling trend has emerged, with over 1,000 international students in the U.S. experiencing visa or legal status revocations. This wave of revocations appears to disproportionately impact students who have participated in protests against Israeli actions in Gaza. Although the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has reversed some visa revocations, including those of four University of Alabama students, many remain concerned about the potential for deportations and the lack of transparency in these processes.
Doroudi’s lawyer asserts that the government has yet to provide any evidence to justify claims that his client poses a national security threat. The mounting anxiety within the Iranian student community is palpable, with some articulating that communal celebrations have turned somber. One student reflected on how the Sizdah Bedar holiday felt more akin to “a funeral service” than a festive occasion this year due to the looming fear created by Doroudi’s situation.
Bajgani articulated a sentiment shared by many: that if someone like Doroudi is unable to realize his potential, the dream of a better life in America is lost. The couple’s story epitomizes the struggles many international students face amidst shifting immigration policies and increasing scrutiny from authorities.
This incident highlights a broader issue affecting international students in the U.S. and serves as a reminder of the precarious nature of student visas and the ongoing challenges they may encounter in pursuing their education and dreams.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- ABC News: Iranian Students at University of Alabama
- Wikipedia: International Students in the United States
- WVTM 13: UA Student Detained by ICE
- Google Search: University of Alabama International Students
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Doctoral Student Detained by ICE
- Google Scholar: Immigration Policies USA
- New York Times: ICE Detains Doctoral Student
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Detention
- CBS 42: University of Alabama Student Detained
- Google News: ICE Detainment of Students
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The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
