Sama Ebrahimi Bajgani’s life turned upside down when her fiancé, Alireza Doroudi, was arrested by immigration officers following a celebration of the Persian New Year in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Both are Iranian doctoral students at the University of Alabama, and Doroudi had legally entered the U.S. on a student visa in January 2023. Despite having no criminal history, he was detained amidst a wider crackdown on immigration under President Trump, raising fears within the Iranian student community. Following Doroudi’s detention, students have been advised to “lay low,” heightening their anxiety about potential deportations.
Doroudi’s visa was revoked without explanation in June, despite being assured by the university that he could remain as long as he was a student. His detention has led to significant stress among his peers, with a close friend reporting severe weight loss due to anxiety. Doroudi spent three days in a county jail before being transferred to an immigration facility in Louisiana, where he awaits a deportation hearing. He expressed confusion over his arrest, insisting he had complied with all legal requirements and that he didn’t deserve such treatment.
The University of Alabama has not commented on his specific case but states that it values its international students, offering resources for compliance with immigration laws. Amidst growing uncertainty, the Iranian student community, which comprises over 100 members, has reported a shift from vibrant gatherings to somber reflections, with feelings of fear and insecurity mirroring sentiments back home. The collective anxiety echoes the notion that any misstep could lead to dire consequences, leaving many students feeling trapped in a situation that threatens their safety and future.
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