Deportation Fears Grow Among Longtime Iranian Residents

Immigration Crackdown Raises Concerns Amidst Rising International Tensions

A recent surge in arrests of Iranian immigrants across the United States has ignited worry within communities, especially in light of escalating international conflicts. Many of those targeted have resided in the country for years, integrated fully into American society, and are now facing the possibility of deportation back to Iran.

Case Study: A Life Interrupted

Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian, who has lived in the U.S. for 47 years, found herself in handcuffs while tending her garden in New Orleans. According to her family, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers took her into custody. Having arrived in 1978 on a student visa, Kashanian sought asylum, fearing repercussions due to her father’s support of the U.S.-backed shah. Though her initial bid failed, she was allowed to stay with her family while regularly checking in with immigration officials. She is currently detained at an immigration center in Louisiana as her family seeks information.

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“Some level of vigilance, of course, makes sense, but what it seems like ICE has done is basically give out an order to round up as many Iranians as you can, whether or not they’re linked to any threat and then arrest them and deport them, which is very concerning,”

—Ryan Costello, Policy Director of the National Iranian American Council

Statistics show an increase in apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border, with the U.S. Border Patrol arresting Iranians 1,700 times between October 2021 and November 2024 (DHS data).

Growing Concerns and Enforcement Actions

U.S. authorities have recently announced the arrests of numerous Iranians for immigration violations. The Department of Homeland Security has touted these arrests, but has not provided specific details. A spokeswoman, Tricia McLaughlin, stated that the department is focused on arresting known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists who entered the country illegally, although she did not offer any evidence of such ties.

Russell Milne, Kashanian’s husband, insists that his wife poses no threat. He explained that her asylum case was complicated due to past circumstances. Over the past four decades, Kashanian built a life in Louisiana, marrying, raising a daughter, and contributing to her community. Her husband states, “She’s meeting her obligations. She’s retirement age. She’s not a threat. Who picks up a grandmother?”

In Oregon, an Iranian man identified as S.F. was detained by immigration agents. He was apprehended just before a scheduled ICE check-in in Portland. Court documents reveal that S.F. applied for asylum in the early 2000s and was denied. His attorney, Michael Purcell, argued that changed conditions in Iran now put S.F. at risk, citing recent events that may create a “de facto state of war.”

Broader Implications

The recent enforcement actions occur against a backdrop of rising tensions with Iran. These actions include a U.S. travel ban that took effect this month. Some worry that ICE’s increased deportations will add another layer of hardship for Iranian immigrants who have established their lives in the United States.