PAAIA Monitoring Reports of Iranian Nationals’ Deportation
Washington, D.C. — The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is closely monitoring reports, including coverage in the New York Times, regarding the detention and deportation of approximately 120 Iranian nationals. Sources have indicated to PAAIA that 55 of these individuals were deported earlier this week, with another 65 awaiting departure on a subsequent flight. Many among those deported had entered the United States illegally, largely through the southern border, with varying types of documentation, and subsequently filed for asylum. Forthcoming reports, PAAIA understands, will provide additional, conflicting details about the individuals already deported as well as those scheduled for deportation.
PAAIA is particularly concerned about the well-being of the vulnerable —those reportedly fleeing religious and gender-based persecution. These are not abstract policy questions but urgent struggles, as the lives of some of the deported may be in danger. In recent months, PAAIA raised these concerns during meetings with senior U.S. officials – including the former National Security Advisor and the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq and Iran – when discussing the impending reinstatement of the Travel Ban. At that time, we advocated for student exemptions and stressed the importance of safeguarding persecuted populations, underscoring their contributions to the US and the importance of fair and transparent legal processes. These points remain just as critical today, particularly given that the current version of the Travel Ban allows exemptions for religious minorities and other at-risk groups.
These reports produce concern in the Iranian American community, particularly regarding the legality of the processes and procedures involved in the arrest, detention, and return of vulnerable individuals. These highly specialized legal issues fall outside the scope of our organization’s expertise. At the same time, consistent with our mission to educate the broader public on issues affecting our community, PAAIA encourages individuals to revisit our Know Your Rights webinars, which provide accessible resources on legal rights, protections, and procedures.
At present, PAAIA’s partners report that details are not yet available regarding the circumstances or status of this group following their return to Iran.
