Federal government to decide US anti-abortionist's case

Controversial anti-abortion campaigner Troy Newman will learn whether he can stay in Australia or be deported back the US.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton cancelled Mr Newman's visa when he was in America, but despite this, the anti-abortion speaker travelled to Australia.

He he was detained on Thursday at Melbourne Airport when he arrived without a visa.

Well-known for his strong views against abortion in the US, Mr Newman has previously called for doctors and nurses undertaking the process to be charged as murderers.

Mr Newman's wife, Mellissa, did not have her visa revoked and went to the High Court on Thursday afternoon to help her husband appeal the visa decision.

But shortly after counsel for Mr Newman told the High Court the visa decision was flawed, lawyers for the immigration minister said they were willing to enter into discussions with Mr Newman.

High Court Justice Geoffrey Nettle adjourned the matter until Friday afternoon to give Mr Dutton time to consider the case overnight.