Reza Zavvar, 52, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers just metres from his home in Maryland five weeks ago.

He is now languishing in an Ohio prison and has been told he faces deportation to Romania or Down Under – however Australian authorities say they have been blindsided by this claim.

The Australian government said it hasn’t been informed of any move by its ally to send over deportees.

“We consider any application for a visa in its merits, we have not been contacted by the US Government about this matter,” a government spokesperson said.

His sister Maryam said the family have no idea what might happen to their beloved brother and son.

“It’s absolutely frustrating, it’s heartbreaking for all of us,” she said.

“He is not a criminal, he is the nicest guy you can possibly imagine. Our society, our community, is not benefitting from whats happening to our family and to Reza.”

Immigration Attorney Ava Beach said she hopes there is no plan to deport Zavvar to Australia.

“Australia doesn’t seek to be a place where America deports people to that aren’t Americans,” Beach said.