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Deportation postponed for deaf Nigerian immigrant in US

Francis Anwana
Diane Newman

U.S. immigration officials have postponed the deportation of a deaf immigrant from Nigeria in the U.S. illegally.

The Detroit Free Press reports Friday that 48-year-old Francis Anwana and his attorneys met with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, who plan to review his case over the next month.

ICE said earlier this month that Anwana of Detroit could voluntarily leave the United States.

Officials say Anwana was admitted to the U.S. in 1987 as a nonimmigrant student but remained here after leaving school. Advocates say he's deaf, can't speak and has cognitive disabilities.

Anwana's case has drawn attention and support from many, including the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and Democratic U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee of Flint.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.
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