Articles
Spring CHIP Fellow Melody Mashouf Reflects on Internship with Congressman Brad Sherman
Pezeshkan Family Capitol Hill Internship Program Fellow Melody Mashouf is a rising Junior at Santa Monica College, with passion for political science and international relations. This spring, she interned in the office of U.S. Congressman
Spring CHIP Fellow Persia Zurita Reflects on Internship with Senator Mark Warner
Pezeshkan Family Capitol Hill Internship Program Fellow Persia Zurita is a rising Junior at George Washington University studying international affairs with a concentration in security policy. This spring, she interned in the office of Senator Mark
Celebrating Pride: PAAIA Stands with the LGBTQ Community
Washington, DC — As Pride Month unfolds, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) reaffirms our unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. This month is a time to celebrate love, diversity, and the progress
PAAIA Celebrates the Introduction of the TOOMAJ Act: A Milestone for Human Rights and Hostages Taken in Iran
Washington, DC — The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is proud to announce the introduction of the Targeting Oppressive Officers to Mitigate Abuse in the Iranian Judiciary Act, also known as the TOOMAJ
Court Approves New Visa Reconsideration Process, Bringing Hope to Those Affected by Travel Ban
Washington, DC — In a major win for the Iranian American community and other affected groups, a federal judge has approved an injunction mandating a clear visa reconsideration process for nearly 25,000 individuals wrongfully denied
Vilification of Campaign Contributions from Iranian Americans Unveiled in Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District Debate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 23, 2024 Washington, DC — The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) condemns last night’s attacks on Former Phoenix Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari for receiving support from Iranian American donors. Yesterday
Senate to Vote Again on Bipartisan Border Security Bill Including Temporary Family Visitation Act
Washington, DC — Today, the Senate is scheduled to vote once more on the bipartisan border security bill, which notably includes the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA). A fervid champion of the TFVA, the Public
We Did It Together! The MAHSA Act is Officially Law!
Washington, DC — Today, President Biden signed the MASHA Act into law as part of a larger foreign aid package! This win comes after nearly two years of dedicated advocacy by PAAIA and the larger
MAHSA Act Passes Senate as Part of Aid Package
Washington, DC — PAAIA is thrilled to announce that the MAHSA Act was passed in the Senate today as part of a Supplemental National Security Package. President Biden is expected to sign it into law in
MAHSA Act Passes as Part of House Foreign Aid Package
Washington, DC — The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is pleased to announce that the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act passed in the House of Representatives with the Mahsa Amini Human rights
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Passes MAHSA Act with Amendments
Today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) passed the Mahsa Amini Human rights and Security Accountability Act (MAHSA Act) in their markup session with added amendments. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Historical First: MENA Category To Be Added to U.S. Census
Washington, DC — Today, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced its revisions to Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity (SPD 15). PAAIA
The MAHSA Act Has Been Sent to Markup
Washington, DC — The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is thrilled to announce that the Mahsa Amini Human rights and Security Accountability Act (MAHSA Act) is scheduled to be marked up by the
PAAIA Hosted 2024 Nowruz Reception on Capitol Hill
Washington, DC — Last Tuesday, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) and Civic Leadership Program’s Sarram Service Initiative (SSI) hosted its 2024 Nowruz reception on Capitol Hill, drawing over 120 Members of Congress,
UN Fact-Finding Mission Report Finds Evidence of IRI’s Crimes Against Humanity
Washington, DC — Today, on International Women’s Rights Day, the United Nations’ Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFMI), published its inaugural report. The report submitted to the UN Human Rights