News Summary
Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian doctoral student at the University of Alabama, has chosen to self-deport after six weeks in immigration detention due to legal uncertainty surrounding his status. Initially detained on charges related to his visa, Doroudi ultimately decided to leave the U.S. voluntarily as concerns rise over immigration enforcement affecting international students. His case highlights broader fears within the Iranian student community amid tighter scrutiny from authorities.
Jena, Louisiana – Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian doctoral student at the University of Alabama, has decided to self-deport after spending over six weeks in immigration detention. His choice is driven by “legal uncertainty” about his immigration status and the risk of ongoing detention.
Doroudi was initially taken into custody on March 25, 2025, and has been held at an immigration facility in Jena, Louisiana. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had raised serious concerns regarding his potential threat to national security, although specific details were never disclosed. He faced two charges: overstaying his student visa and being “not in status” as a student.
As of Thursday, the government dropped the visa-related charge, but Doroudi has nonetheless decided to proceed with voluntary departure, opting to return to Iran. His attorney, David Rozas, reported that Doroudi requested and was granted permission to leave the U.S., avoiding the possibility of further detention. Doroudi expressed sentiments of attachment to the United States but indicated that he felt unwelcome and would choose to return home instead.
The triggering event for Doroudi’s detention was the revocation of his visa in June 2023. He received no explanation for this action and attempted to seek clarity from the Iranian embassy, though those inquiries went unanswered. It was communicated to Doroudi by the University of Alabama that he could remain in the U.S. if he stayed enrolled, but he would face restrictions on re-entry if he left.
During his detention, Doroudi maintained his enrollment and continued attending classes, and his attorney asserted that he was in good standing as a student. Despite legal counsel pushing back against the allegations of national security risks, no supporting evidence was presented to affirm such claims.
Family members, including Doroudi’s fiancée, expressed frustration and helplessness over the circumstances. They highlighted that Doroudi entered the United States legally and has maintained a clean record free of any criminal activities. The unfolding situation has become a point of concern, particularly among the Iranian student community in Alabama, where there are rising fears over increased immigration enforcement under the current administration’s policies.
Broader Context
Doroudi’s case reflects wider apprehensions that have emerged among international students, especially those from Iran. Reports indicate that over 1,000 international students have seen their visas or legal status revoked as part of a crackdown since the end of March. This trend has intensified feelings of unease within the student community, prompting advice among peers to “lay low” in light of heightened scrutiny from immigration authorities.
The University of Alabama has positioned itself as a supportive institution for international students navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration laws. It offers resources designed to assist students in complying with these laws and provides support for cases of visa revocation.
Legal representatives for Doroudi have characterized the handling of his case as a failure of due process and have labeled the situation a grave injustice. They express concerns that such actions could significantly impact other foreign students in the United States, raising questions about their security and stability in an environment of increasing scrutiny and enforcement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tuscaloosa’s ICE Detention of Iranian Student Raises Concerns
University of Alabama Student Detained by ICE Amid Concerns
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Additional Resources
- CNN: Iranian student in Alabama self-deports
- Wikipedia: Immigration to the United States
- ABC News: Iranian student to deport from Alabama
- Google Search: Iranian student deportation
- Los Angeles Times: International students in Alabama fearful after detention
- Google Scholar: Immigration law and students
- Yellowhammer News: Alabama student agrees to leave U.S.
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Law
- AL.com: Alabama student faces deportation
- Google News: International students in Alabama
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