Concerns are rising regarding the deportation of Iranian Christian converts from the United States. These individuals face significant dangers if returned to their home country, particularly due to their conversion from Islam to Christianity.
Background of the Arrests
Pastor Ara Torosian has been vocal about the case involving an Iranian couple undergoing deportation. He filmed the couple’s arrest, contesting the Department of Homeland Security’s assertion that they were unlawfully present in the U.S.
- Major facts surrounding their entry: The couple entered legally via a humanitarian program and possessed work authorizations.
- Pastor Torosian himself fled Iran in 2010 after being detained for smuggling Bibles.
The Family’s Struggles
Majid, one of the individuals affected, escaped through an airport in Turkey. Since then, he has lived in uncertainty as his lawyer addresses his case. Meanwhile, his wife, who still awaits the outcome of her asylum application, resides in Los Angeles with their 1.5-year-old daughter, who has never met her father.
Currently, Ali, another Iranian asylum seeker, resides with a church friend. He expressed fears and doubts about his own asylum claim, especially since his wife was recently deported to Iran.
Legal and Emotional Turmoil
Ali is struggling with the implications of his wife’s situation. He questions, “If I receive asylum, how can I remain here if my wife is in Iran?” The thought of being deported is equally troubling, as he could face imprisonment upon his return.
His ability to find stability is compromised. He initially stayed with a relative, expecting his wife’s case to resolve quickly. However, after a year in detention, she was pushed back to Iran without resolution.
- Ali’s current living situation: Lacks legal work options and banking access.
- A small church provides temporary shelter, but he faces the possibility of homelessness.
The Future of Iranian Christian Converts in the U.S.
As Ali awaits his immigration hearing, he remains pessimistic about a favorable outcome. His wife received renewed attention from Iranian intelligence, intensifying worries about what could happen if she is detained again. The fate of these Iranian Christian converts in the U.S. raises urgent questions about their safety and legal rights in the face of deportation.
