Herischi Human Rights Law Center expresses deep concern over the wrongful deportation of ten Iranian Christian converts who sought asylum in the United States, only to be removed to Panama without receiving their legally required credible fear interviews—a fundamental protection under U.S. asylum law.
These individuals fled Iran, where apostasy—converting from Islam to Christianity—is punishable by death under the country’s Islamic Criminal Code, were held in U.S. custody in California before being forcibly removed under expedited removal procedures. Even under the Trump administration’s expedited removal policies, asylum seekers are entitled to a credible fear interview, a protection aligned with both the 1951 Refugee Convention and the U.S. Refugee Act of 1980. Regardless, they have been denied the fear interview with USCIS and deported to Panama.
This situation has devastated families. A married couple has been forcibly separated, with one spouse still in U.S. detention while the other has been deported to Panama. A brother and sister have also been split apart, adding to the distress and uncertainty these individuals now face.
Ali Herischi, a human rights attorney, is representing these individuals and coordinating legal efforts in both the United States and Panama to ensure their safety and fight for justice.
Herischi Human Rights Law Center respectfully urge the Trump administration to take immediate action to rectify this injustice. These asylum seekers should be brought back to the U.S. or granted Humanitarian Parole, ensuring they have a fair opportunity to present their claims for asylum in accordance with U.S. and international law.
We also call upon the Christian community, faith-based organizations, and human rights advocates to support these persecuted individuals. Their faith has placed them in grave danger, and they now require urgent humanitarian assistance to secure safety and stability.
For generations, the United States has upheld its role as a defender of religious freedom, offering protection to those fleeing persecution—from Jewish refugees escaping Nazi Germany to countless religious minorities seeking safety. We ask the administration to honor this legacy by acting swiftly to protect these Christian converts before it is too late.
Contact:
Herischi Human Rights Law CenterAli Herischi
Email: info@herischi.com
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