Immigrant graduates into uncertain future

MADISON, Wis., May 26 (UPI) -- A young Nigerian woman who has lived in the United States since she was 3 wore an ankle monitor for her last year at the University of Wisconsin.

Temitope "Tope" Awe, 24, is now studying for the examination that would make her a licensed pharmacist, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Monday. But she is unsure how long she will be able to stay in the country.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement tried to deport Awe and her parents last year, several years after their claim for asylum was denied. Then officials postponed any action for humanitarian reasons.

Awe spent some time in jail before being allowed to return to school.

The family's attorney has appealed their case, asking for a new hearing before an immigration judge, according to court documents. He said the Awes' circumstances have changed.

Samuel Awe, Tope's father, has had three kidney transplants, and his lawyer argues medical care in Nigeria is not adequate for his needs. Tope's older brother, who also faces deportation, is married to a U.S. citizen and has a son who is a citizen.