Court Blocks Deportation Of Nigerian PhD Student from US
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that a U.S. federal court has temporarily blocked the deportation of Nigerian chemistry PhD student Matthew Ariwoola, despite intensified immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s renewed administration.
Ariwoola, a student at the University of South Carolina, faced sudden deportation after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked his student visa on April 8, 2025. The revocation stemmed from a case of mistaken identity linked to a 2023 criminal warrant in Georgia—a state Ariwoola insists he has never visited.
The move forced him out of his academic program, suspending both his classes and research work, and left him facing imminent removal from the U.S.
In response, Ariwoola sought assistance from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina, which promptly filed a federal lawsuit challenging the DHS action.
On April 18, the same day the lawsuit was filed, District Judge Jacquelyn Austin issued a 14-day temporary restraining order. The order blocked Ariwoola’s deportation and reinstated his student privileges, signaling that the court saw potential merit in his claims.
Following the initial ruling, DHS restored Ariwoola’s visa status in the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), allowing him to resume his studies.
Judge Austin later extended the restraining order three more times before issuing a preliminary injunction on June 13. This injunction bars federal authorities from taking any further action against Ariwoola while the legal proceedings continue.
In her decision, Judge Austin affirmed the court’s authority to hear the case and noted that the legal arguments raised significant constitutional concerns—meeting the threshold for injunctive relief.
Ariwoola, who described the court’s ruling as a “symbol of hope,” expressed gratitude to the ACLU and the judiciary for their swift intervention.
“This victory, though temporary, is a huge source of hope for international students who are unfairly targeted,” he said. “I’m especially thankful to the ACLU-SC and the court for ensuring that justice prevails. I hope this encourages others to speak up and fight back.”
His case has drawn attention in the broader context of the Trump administration’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement since returning to office in January 2025. Foreign students, in particular, have found themselves increasingly vulnerable under the administration’s hardline policies.
For now, Ariwoola remains in the United States—continuing his education and his legal battle
