Iranian Student Self-Deporting Amidst Unjust Detainment
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.
John Q. Hosedrinker