Many of these asylum seekers have fought for freedom during the Women Life Freedom Movement, are Christian converts, members of other religious minorities, or are part of the LGBTQ community. America should not turn over asylum seekers to the Iranian Regime on a silver platter, especially after the promises made by President Trump in support of the Iranian people.
IALDF has previously conducted investigations into conditions and practices at ICE detention facilities, including access provided to Iranian asylum seekers by ICE to representatives of the Iranian regime and the mistreatment of particularly vulnerable detainees. Based on this work, we are especially alarmed by reports that individuals with pending legal claims—including Christians and other religious minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, and political dissidents—may be placed on removal flights without adequate procedural and humanitarian safeguards.
These concerns are heightened by the current situation in Iran. Following the regime's violent repression and the massacre of tens of thousands of Iranians, conditions in the country are dire. Religious minorities and converts—particularly Christians—as well as political dissidents and members of the LGBTQ community face a well-documented risk of imprisonment, torture, and death upon return.
IALDF is gravely concerned that deportations under these circumstances would not only place lives at immediate risk but also undermine fundamental principles of due process and humanitarian protection. We urge U.S. authorities to immediately halt any removals involving Iranian asylum seekers and to ensure full compliance with U.S. law and international obligations.
IALDF will continue to monitor this situation closely and pursue all available avenues to protect those at risk.