AILA Executive Director Welcomes Congressional Call to Protect Iranians in U.S.

Washington, DC – As direct armed conflict continues in Iran and across the region, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) commends bicameral Democratic action echoing AILA’s call for urgent protections for Iranian nationals in the United States who are unable to return home. AILA also urges similar protections for people unable to return safely to other conflict-affected countries. AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson stated:

“Iran is in crisis. This year, the Iranian government has killed thousands in a brutal crackdown on dissent, and thousands more have died in the ensuing war in the Middle East. Iranian nationals in the United States cannot return home safely amid ongoing violence and instability. The State Department is warning Americans not to travel to Iran ‘for any reason’ due to ‘the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary detention of U.S. citizens, torture, and wrongful detention.’ As we have done in past crises, we urge the Administration to provide urgent protection by designating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and/or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Iranians and nationals from neighboring countries currently in the United States who cannot return home safely. Our government must live up to our bedrock values by offering safe harbor until conditions allow for a return. We also urge the Administration to lift the pause on decisions and to expedite processing for those with pending USCIS applications such as for work authorization or temporary and permanent legal status. Every day of delay is detrimental to families, communities, and the U.S. economy, putting livelihoods and safety at risk.”