Deportation Threat Looms Over Iranian Adoptee Amid Legal Complexities

The case of an unnamed Iranian adoptee highlights significant gaps in U.S. immigration law concerning international adoptions. Adopted at the age of two by an American Air Force officer and his wife, the woman has lived in the United States since 1973. However, she was never granted citizenship due to a failure by her adoptive parents to complete the necessary naturalization process. This oversight was only discovered when she applied for a passport at age 38. The law passed in 2000, which conferred automatic citizenship to many international adoptees, did not apply retroactively, leaving individuals like her vulnerable.

The Independent

Recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a letter ordering her to appear for removal proceedings, citing her overstayed visa from 1974 as grounds for deportation. Despite having no criminal record and contributing to society through her work in corporate healthcare, the woman faces the prospect of deportation to Iran, a country she left as an orphan. Her legal proceedings have been delayed, but the threat remains imminent, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

The Independent

Critics, including a bipartisan coalition of advocacy groups, have expressed outrage over the potential deportation of adoptees like her. Hannah Daniel, director of public policy for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, described the situation as "un-American and unconscionable," emphasizing the moral implications of sending someone back to a country where they could face persecution for their faith. The coalition has lobbied Congress for legislation to protect older adoptees, but no action has been taken.

The Independent

The DHS has defended its actions, stating that the media's withholding of the woman's name complicates their ability to address specific cases. They maintain that their focus is on removing individuals deemed a threat to public safety. However, the woman and her supporters argue that her deportation would be a death sentence, particularly given her status as a Christian and the historical context of her father's military service.

The Independent

• “I never imagined it would get to where it is today,” — Unnamed Iranian Adoptee

The Independent

• “It just baffles me that it’s OK to send me to a foreign country that I could potentially die or I could get imprisoned because of a clerical error,” — Unnamed Iranian Adoptee

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• “I’m horrified. It’s rare for me to feel shocked by a story these days. But this is an absolutely unbelievable situation,” — Hannah Daniel, Director of Public Policy, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

The Independent

• “And it feels so antithetical to that to then say we’re going to send this person who, for me, is a sister in Christ to face a death sentence.” — Hannah Daniel, Director of Public Policy, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

The Independent

As her legal battle continues, the woman remains uncertain about her future. The delayed court hearing offers temporary relief, but the looming threat of deportation persists. Advocates for her cause continue to push for legislative changes to protect older adoptees from similar fates, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive solution to this complex issue.

The Independent