Researchers without political affiliations arrested leaves international students in Alabama anxious
Living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Sama Bajgani and her partner, Alireza Doroudi, were enjoying their Persian new year celebration at the University of Alabama when a disruptive event struck their lives.
A group of seven armed immigration officers invaded their apartment before dawn, arresting Doroudi. Their tranquil life took an unexpected turn:
"I lived a normal life until that night. Since then, nothing feels normal again," Bajgani shared.
The news of Doroudi's detention shook the small Iranian community in Tuscaloosa, where both Bajgani and Doroudi are studying for their doctorates. Other Iranian students claim they have been subtly advised by faculty to "keep a low profile" and "stay hidden," causing widespread fear among a once lively community.
Doroudi is among numerous students across the country who have been detained as part of recent immigration crackdowns led by President Donald Trump. Determining why Doroudi - without a criminal record or overt political views, and facing potential deportation - left Bajgani bewildered, questioning the university's complacency in the face of their crisis.
One of Doroudi's close friends, a civil engineering student, has suffered both emotionally and physically after enduring six stress-filled weeks since Doroudi's detention. The friend has shed more than ten pounds and expresses a constant feeling of impending danger:
"Every knock on the door, every email seems like it could be the notification of our deportation. It feels like it's our turn every single time," he shared.
In fear of losing his legal status, he now avoids unnecessary trips outside and dreads potential encounters with police, even when not at fault for car accidents.
Bajgani described Doroudi as a dedicated mechanical engineering student from Shiraz, Iran, who entered the United States legally on a student visa in January 2023. Doroudi worked tirelessly, often putting in 60-hour weeks, all the while helping family members with errands.
Doroudi's visa was revoked in June 2023, but no reason was provided, and his inquiries were ignored. The university confirmed that he could remain as a student but would be barred from reentering the U.S. should he leave. Operating under these conditions, immigration officers came to their door in March, arresting Doroudi.
The University of Alabama declined to comment on Doroudi's case but provided resources to aid immigrants on campus in complying with federal law. They also offer assistance to students whose visas have been revoked.
In a phone conversation, Doroudi dictated a letter to Bajgani, voicing frustration over his situation:
"I didn't deserve this. If they had simply asked me to appear in court, I would've, because I haven't committed any illegal acts. What was the reason for this arrest?"
Trump's Immigration Crackdown and Fallout
Since late March, more than 1,000 international students across the U.S. have had their visas or legal status revoked. Some of them were even students who openly protested Israel's war in Gaza. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has since reversed those revocations, including those of four University of Alabama students.
Bajgani expressed concern about the new protocols and procedures at the university, detailing the government's intensive monitoring of international students and the challenges faced in complying with these measures.
A Louisiana judge denied Doroudi bond in mid-April, citing insufficient evidence that he was not a national security threat. However, his attorney, David Rozas, stated his surprise, as the government hasn't presented any evidence to support this claim.
Returning Fear
International students form over 13% of the University of Alabama's graduate program, as noted on the school's website. Approximately 100 Iranian students study at the university, according to the Iranian Student Association.
Sizdah Bedar, the thirteenth day of the Persian new year, is traditionally celebrated with a festive picnic. This year, the same event felt like a somber funeral service to some Iranian doctoral students. One student claimed the experience brought back memories of their home country:
"It's becoming too difficult to be here and live authentically. Thriving seems impossible under these circumstances."
Anonymity was sought due to concerns about retaliation. She has been criticizing the Iranian regime since arriving in the U.S., over five years ago, and now questions her safety both at home and in Alabama.
"It seems like we're returning to Iran again," she admitted.
- Sama Bajgani's partner, Alireza Doroudi, was detained by immigration officers in March 2023, leaving Bajgani bewildered and questioning the university's response.
- The Iranian community in Tuscaloosa, where both Bajgani and Doroudi are studying for their doctorates, has been affected by the detention, with some students allegedly advised to "keep a low profile" and "stay hidden" by faculty.
- Since late March, more than 1,000 international students, including some who openly protested Israel's war in Gaza, have had their visas or legal status revoked across the United States.
- The University of Alabama declined to comment on Doroudi's case but offered resources to aid immigrants on campus in complying with federal law. Despite the challenging circumstances, international students continue to form a significant portion of the university's graduate program.
