diff --git a/artiq/tools.py b/artiq/tools.py
index b3af4ef0b..d7c3aab91 100644
--- a/artiq/tools.py
+++ b/artiq/tools.py
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@ import os
 import atexit
 import string
 import random
-from copy import copy
 
 import numpy as np
 
@@ -86,12 +85,8 @@ def file_import(filename, prefix="file_import_"):
     path = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(filename))
     sys.path.insert(0, path)
     try:
-        previous_modules = copy(sys.modules)
-        try:
-            loader = importlib.machinery.SourceFileLoader(modname, filename)
-            module = loader.load_module()
-        finally:
-            sys.modules = previous_modules
+        loader = importlib.machinery.SourceFileLoader(modname, filename)
+        module = loader.load_module()
     finally:
         sys.path.remove(path)