By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian doctoral student at the University of Alabama, self-deported to Iran after six weeks of detention on immigration charges. Despite the government dropping the initial visa charge, “legal uncertainty” and the potential for prolonged detention led to his decision. His attorney stated that no evidence supported initial national security concerns, and the only charges were visa revocation and being “out of status,” though his student status was maintained. Doroudi’s departure represents a personal loss and raises concerns about due process within the US immigration system.
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Alireza Doroudi, a 32-year-old Iranian doctoral student at the University of Alabama, has chosen self-deportation, leaving the United States after six weeks of detention by immigration authorities. This decision comes despite the government withdrawing one of the two charges initially levied against him, highlighting the complexities and frustrations of the immigration process.
His student visa was revoked in June 2023 without explanation, yet the university assured him he could remain in the U.S. as long as he maintained his student status. Then, in the spring of 2025, the government filed charges alleging both the revoked visa and a failure to maintain student status. The first charge, concerning the visa revocation, was dropped after the government conceded it wasn’t immediately effective. However, the second charge remains under legal contestation.
Despite lacking a criminal record or any involvement in political activism, Doroudi was denied bail and held in a Louisiana detention facility. The protracted detention and its impact on his life ultimately led to his decision to self-deport, a choice filled with sadness for both him and his fiancée, Sama Ebrahimi Bajgani. His attorney also expressed deep concern and questioned the rationale behind Doroudi’s targeting.
This situation has understandably fostered fear and uncertainty among international students in Alabama, particularly within the Iranian community. Many view it as a symptom of a broader crackdown on immigration, leading to concerns about the future of international students in the United States and raising questions about the country’s ability to attract and retain top talent. The perception is that the U.S. is actively pushing away its brightest minds, potentially contributing to a “brain drain.”
The narrative around Doroudi’s case has sparked significant debate, with critics questioning the fairness and transparency of the process. Some argue that the term “self-deportation” is misleading, suggesting instead that he was essentially forced to flee due to the prolonged detention and the perceived lack of viable alternatives. Others criticize the government’s actions as arbitrary and unjust, pointing to the lack of any criminal activity or political involvement on Doroudi’s part.
The case has also drawn parallels to other instances of seemingly arbitrary detention and deportation of international students, leading to broader anxieties about the fairness and predictability of the U.S. immigration system. There’s a pervasive sentiment that the system is becoming increasingly hostile towards foreign nationals, potentially discouraging future international students from seeking education in the United States.
The fact that Doroudi was denied bail, despite possessing no criminal history, has further fueled this outrage. The prolonged detention, without any apparent justification beyond the revoked visa (later deemed not immediately effective), is viewed as a severe hardship, one that ultimately compelled him to leave the country he had called home for his studies.
The situation highlights the significant challenges faced by international students navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. It also underscores the potential consequences of even seemingly minor administrative errors or bureaucratic delays. While the government’s actions may have been intended to uphold immigration law, the overall effect has seemingly been to drive away a highly skilled individual, raising questions about the overall wisdom of such policies.
The incident has reignited discussions about the potential negative impacts of restrictive immigration policies on educational institutions and the broader U.S. economy. The loss of talented individuals like Doroudi represents a significant loss for American universities and research institutions, raising concerns about the long-term effects on innovation and competitiveness. The narrative raises ethical questions about the treatment of international students and prompts critical reflection on the fairness and effectiveness of current immigration policies. The overall effect is a sense of disillusionment and apprehension, leading many to question the future of international education in the United States. The case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of stringent immigration policies and the unintended consequences they may have.