Border Agent On Blocked Iranian MSU Student: ‘We Don’t Coerce People’
An incoming Michigan State University student from Iran was blocked from entering the U.S at Detroit Metro Airport. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection representative says he left on his own volition.
An incoming Michigan State University student from Iran was blocked from entering the U.S at Detroit Metro Airport.
Alireza Yazdani Esfidvajani was set to begin a doctoral program at MSU’s agriculture college this semester. But U.S Customs and Border Patrol says he was “deemed inadmissible” upon his arrival in Michigan. Lawyers representing Yazdani Esfidvajani say he was pressured into withdrawing his admission application following several hours of questioning by border agents.
“He was just tired with the whole situation. He did indicate that he felt pressured to sign.” – Bradley Maze, attorney
“They were asking questions whether or not he had ties to Iranian intelligence, whether he had any knowledge about Suleimani who was just assassinated by our government,” says Bradley Maze, Yazdani Esfidvajani’s lawyer. “I think he was just tired with the whole situation. He did indicate that he felt pressured to sign.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection dispute this, saying it was a voluntary decision.
“We don’t coerce people into those decisions. He made that decision on his own,” said Christopher Perry, director of CBP field operations in Detroit.
Lawyers say there is likely no legal recourse for Yazdani Esfidvajani as there is a high burden of proof to show that he withdrew his application under duress.
Officials at MSU say the university values its international students and is working with Michigan’s congressional delegation to assist.
