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University of San Francisco seeks release of detained nursing professor
The University of San Francisco and supporters are calling for the release of Ann Lawani, a nurse and professor detained by US immigration authorities since September. Her absence has prompted concern among students, colleagues and local lawmakers, who say she is a valued educator and want her home with her family and at her students’ graduation.
Lawani, 39, came to the US in 2007 and leads two nursing programmes at the university, working with nearly 300 students. Authorities say she overstayed a visitor visa and received a removal order in 2013; her lawyer says an immigration judge that year granted her protection from removal to Nigeria after finding she would likely face persecution there. Her lawyer has filed a habeas petition challenging the detention, which remains pending, while Lawani has been transferred among detention centres in California, Texas and Louisiana.
In short
- University supporters want detained professor Ann Lawani released.
- Her lawyer says she has had protection from removal to Nigeria since 2013.
- A court petition challenging her detention is pending.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that Lawani’s detention should end because an immigration judge previously found she would likely face persecution if returned to Nigeria, and her lawyer is challenging the detention in court. Her long-standing work educating nurses, family ties and students’ wish to see her graduate with them strengthen the case for allowing her to remain in the community while her legal status is resolved.
The case against
Those favouring continued detention or removal could argue that immigration rules and removal orders must be enforced consistently, and that a prior protection decision does not by itself settle every later question about detention or legal status. They may see detention as a lawful way to ensure immigration proceedings can be completed, subject to review by the courts and any applicable protections against return to danger.
Explained simply
US immigration authorities can detain people they believe have breached immigration rules and seek to remove them from the country. A removal order is a legal decision that someone should leave the US, though people may have protections that affect where they can be sent.
Ann Lawani is a nursing professor at the University of San Francisco, where she leads two programmes. Her lawyer says an immigration judge granted her protection from being sent to Nigeria because she could face persecution there; authorities say she overstayed a visitor visa and had a removal order.
A habeas petition asks a court to review whether someone’s detention is lawful. Lawani’s lawyer has filed one, and it is still pending, leaving the court process central to her case.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Calls grow for release of beloved California nurse detained by ICE: ‘We want her home’”.