We, the undersigned organizations, are profoundly concerned about reports that about 120 Iranian nationals have been or will be deported under a recent agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, with many more at risk. Many of these men and women fled Iran seeking refuge from religious persecution, political repression, and gender‑based violence. People of Iranian descent come from many different religious backgrounds including people of Christian, Jewish, and Baha’i faiths. They are particularly vulnerable under the Islamic Republic. Indeed, the current U.S. Travel Ban recognizes exceptions for religious and ethnic minorities.

Asylum seekers now face the possibility of being returned to a country where they have a well-founded fear of persecution. This runs against core American values as a nation based on hope, freedom, and liberty that has long welcomed people facing oppression who, in turn, have contributed mightily to America.

IALDF calls on the U.S. government to:

• Publicly disclose any agreements with the Iranian regime regarding deportations.
• Suspend all deportation flights to Iran until every individual is granted a lawful, standard, fair, and transparent asylum hearing.
• Offer safe haven through regular asylum processes, humanitarian parole, and other protections for those at risk—especially political dissidents, women’s‑rights activists, religious minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Together with our coalition partners, we are monitoring the situation and are prepared to assist those fleeing persecution and request access to the ICE facilities where these individuals are held.

The United States has long stood as a beacon of freedom and justice. We urge our leaders to uphold these values by safeguarding those fleeing Iran’s repressive regime and providing a fair opportunity for asylum seekers to be heard before being unjustly sent to face harm under the Islamic Republic.

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Iranian American Legal Defense Fund (IALDF)

Pars Equality Center

the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA)

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*If you or someone you know is affected, you can fill out our intake at www.ialdf.org/intake