‘I was actually depressed’: France tries to deport immigrant students

France is attempting to deport some immigrant students, a move that has left those targeted describing intense emotional distress and confusion, according to Al Jazeera. ^[1]

One student, Mariem, told Al Jazeera she struggled to cope after learning she faced deportation. “I was sad. I didn’t know what to do. I think I was actually depressed,” she said. ^[1]

Another student, Mohammed, described a moment of disbelief after receiving news that he could be removed from France. “I was shocked, disappointed. I sat outside on a chair just staring. I kept asking myself why. What did I do?” he told Al Jazeera. ^[1]

Al Jazeera reported on the deportation attempts on May 26, 2026, though the outlet did not specify the location in the information provided. ^[1]

The report centers on the experiences of immigrant students confronting possible removal from France, with Mariem and Mohammed describing the personal toll as they tried to understand why they were being targeted and what options, if any, they had left. ^[1]