News Summary
A federal judge has granted Matthew Ariwoola, a fourth-year PhD chemistry student at USC, a preliminary injunction preventing his arrest or deportation by ICE and DHS. This ruling comes after his F-1 student status was terminated, leaving him vulnerable to removal. The ACLU filed a lawsuit on his behalf, ensuring he can continue his studies as his legal case progresses against DHS. This decision raises concerns about the treatment of international students and their rights within the immigration system.
Columbia, South Carolina – A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction protecting Matthew Ariwoola, an international student at the University of South Carolina (USC), from being arrested, detained, or removed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This ruling enables Ariwoola, a fourth-year PhD chemistry student, to continue his studies as his legal case progresses.
The decision was made on Friday, providing Ariwoola relief from the uncertainty he faced after his F-1 student status was terminated in April. The DHS claimed that his status termination stemmed from an unspecified issue with his Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, which left Ariwoola vulnerable to deportation.
In response to this abrupt change, the ACLU of South Carolina filed a lawsuit on Ariwoola’s behalf against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons on April 18. Initially, the federal court granted a 14-day temporary restraining order, enabling Ariwoola to seek academic and employment opportunities—a protective measure that was extended three times before the recent preliminary injunction was issued.
The ACLU has stated that this recent injunction allows Ariwoola to focus on his studies at USC without the fear of imminent deportation as the legal proceedings unfold. Since the termination of his visa, Ariwoola has expressed concern that he might be forcibly removed from the country without receiving the due process typically afforded to individuals in similar situations.
Ariwoola’s Background and Educational Impact
Matthew Ariwoola, originally from Nigeria, is deeply involved in “life-saving biomedical research” and serves as a chemistry instructor for undergraduate students at USC. The sudden termination of his student visa not only jeopardizes his ability to graduate but also significantly hampers his engagement in critical research activities necessary for his academic progress.
Ariwoola has maintained a clean record and has never been convicted of any crime. His only interaction with law enforcement stemmed from a dismissed charge related to mistaken identity in Georgia. This context further strengthens the ACLU’s assertion that his Fifth Amendment due process rights have been violated, as he was not given a proper opportunity to challenge the DHS’s decision regarding his student status.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
The case, presided over by U.S. District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin, reflects ongoing judicial scrutiny of ICE’s arguments in similar legal disputes. The preliminary injunction issued by Judge Austin ensures that Ariwoola can remain in the United States to complete his education while the court deliberates on the merits of the ACLU’s case against the federal officials involved.
This ruling highlights a broader concern about the treatment of international students by immigration authorities, particularly regarding their rights and the processes that govern their stay in the United States. The ramifications of this decision may extend beyond just Ariwoola’s case, potentially setting precedents that affect how similar cases are handled in the future.
As legal proceedings continue, Ariwoola remains focused on completing his academic journey at USC. The situation underscores the importance of maintaining a fair and transparent process for international students, as their academic and professional aspirations hang in the balance.
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