What visa was Dr. Vahid Abedini holding when ICE detained him?

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Abedini held an H-1B specialty occupation visa sponsored by the University of Oklahoma for his position as Farzaneh Family Assistant Professor of Iranian Studies. The H-1B is a non-immigrant work visa valid for three years, renewable up to six years. It requires employer sponsorship and Labor Department approval confirming no qualified U.S. workers are available. University faculty are common H-1B recipients because teaching positions require specialized expertise. Abedini's visa was current and valid through 2027. He had maintained lawful status since arriving in the U.S., meaning he complied with visa terms: working only for his sponsor, reporting address changes, and maintaining passport validity. His detention despite valid status shocked immigration attorneys because H-1B holders are generally not enforcement priorities.

What visa was Dr. Vahid Abedini holding when ICE detained him?

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