A U.S. federal court has temporarily stopped the deportation of Matthew Ariwoola, a Nigerian PhD chemistry student at the University of South Carolina, following the controversial cancellation of his student visa.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Ariwoola’s visa in April 2025 over a mistaken identity linked to a criminal warrant issued in Georgia—a state he says he has never visited. The cancellation forced him out of his academic program and threatened his stay in the U.S.
With his future uncertain, Ariwoola sought help from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina, which quickly filed a lawsuit. District Judge Jacquelyn Austin immediately issued a restraining order to stop his deportation and restore his student rights.
Since then, the court has renewed this order multiple times. On June 13, Judge Austin granted a preliminary injunction barring the government from taking further action against Ariwoola until the case is fully resolved.
“This victory gives hope to international students unfairly targeted by harsh immigration policies,” Ariwoola said, praising his legal team, university, and supporters.
The case highlights growing concerns over the Trump administration’s renewed immigration crackdown, which has put foreign students under increased pressure since January 2025.
For now, Ariwoola remains in the U.S. to continue his studies, while the legal battle continues.
