The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans, PAAIA

Just weeks ago, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents forcibly detained Madonna Kashanian outside her New Orleans home. She is a 64-year-old who has lived peacefully in the United States for about 47 years. Mrs. Kashanian is one of many Iranian Americans affected by the cracks of a broken immigration system. Immigration officials allowed her to stay in the U.S. for nearly five decades as long as she checked in regularly with immigration authorities. Then, Mrs. Kashanian was suddenly swept up, just one day after the U.S. launched airstrikes in Iran. 

Thanks to an outpouring of support from her neighbors and intervention from elected officials, particularly Rep. Steve Scalise, Donna has since been released. Her story is a chilling reminder of what we at PAAIA have been warning: amid rising U.S. - Iran tensions, Iranian Americans are increasingly vulnerable to unjust enforcement, profiling, and fear-driven policies. Our National Survey consistently shows that bias and discrimination – without explicit hostilities between the US and Iran – have long been a concern of the community.  

We'll continue pushing for accountability, protection, and policies that reflect the values we hold dear.

Join our advocacy efforts to defend civil liberties, prevent unjust targeting of our community, and ensure that compassion and due process guide our nation's response in times of crisis.  

We've been calling on Congress to defend the civil liberties of Iranian Americans, ensure that policy distinguishes the Iranian people from their regime, and uphold America's commitment to fairness and due process.

Donna's case is not just about one woman—it's about how easily geopolitics can strip our community members of safety and dignity.

We'll continue pushing for accountability and policies that reflect the values our community holds dear.

Thank you for standing with us, your fellow Iranian Americans, and with Mandonna Kashanian.

Kindest regards,

Team PAAIA