The university music department started a GoFundMe page today to raise money for Meysam's legal assistance:
He came to the United States legally and was in the process of obtaining an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension to his visa in order to start a Doctoral program in flute performance in Fall 2026. We believe that his OPT may have been denied due to a clerical error and want to help him correct this situation.While he was a student here Meysam lived in an apartment very close to our house. I enjoyed hearing him practice when I walked by.
UPDATE from the gofundme page:
Thank you so much to everyone who has so generously supported Meysam Ghodraty’s legal fund. We are deeply grateful for your kindness, encouragement, and willingness to stand with him during this incredibly difficult time. Your support truly means more than we can express.
Yesterday, we learned that the Fifth Court of Appeals (which covers Louisiana) issued a decision on Friday (Feb. 6th) indicating that bond may not be permitted in cases like Meysam’s. Because he has a court appearance scheduled for Monday, we are very concerned that his bond could be reconsidered.
Our immediate and urgent goal is to post his bond (which we are working on right now!). If he can be released, his case would move to the non-detained docket, which—while slower—would at least allow him to continue his case outside of detention. Importantly, being out on bond may also give him the opportunity to resubmit his OPT visa application.
Thank you again for your generosity, compassion, and support. We could not do this without you!
UPDATE: Meysam is safely back in Illinois. Thank goodness.
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