Concerning Travel Ban to United States of America
On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order fully banning travel by citizens of 12 predominantly Muslim countries, including Iran, into the United States of America. As members of the pro-democracy movement opposing the Islamic Republic, we partake in the anguish of our fellow Iranians and extend solidarity to all nations subjected to this blanket discrimination. This executive order is not only deeply xenophobic but also an affront to the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and democracy that the United States advocates around the globe.
Over the years, countless Iranian students, scholars, and professionals have made remarkable contributions to the United States, exemplifying how immigration enriches host nations. Iranian immigrants have excelled in every field, from science and technology to arts and business, and have left an indelible mark on American society. Inventor Anousheh Ansari became renowned as the first female private space explorer, and Anousheh Ansari's XPRIZE Foundation spurred innovations in technology. Similarly, Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman to win the Fields Medal, has established a legacy of groundbreaking mathematics. Entrepreneurs like Omid Kordestani, a leading figure in the growth of companies like Google and Twitter, further exemplify the positive influence of Iranian immigrants. The travel ban will unfairly halt the dreams and futures of Iranians pursuing education and contributing to advancements in the United States, depriving both nations of potential collaboration and progress.
This executive order also compounds the burden on Iranian families separated by borders, many of whom seek to reunite with loved ones in the U.S. Elderly parents hoping to visit their children or families torn apart by the suppression of the Islamic Republic will now face insurmountable obstacles. By targeting civilians and lawful visitors, this ban amplifies the suffering of ordinary people while failing to address any legitimate national security concerns.
Additionally, history shows that such indiscriminate bans fail to strengthen security. Instead, they alienate allies, stigmatize entire communities, and erode the very ideals of justice and equality that democratic nations claim to uphold. As we denounce the repressive actions of the Islamic Republic, we also condemn policies like this order, which betray the democratic values America represents. Policies rooted in exclusion harm not just immigrants and visitors but also the nation's global standing as a defender of liberty.
The Union for a Secular Republic and Human Rights in Iran calls upon the U.S. administration to rescind this executive order immediately and adopt policies that promote human rights, justice, and cooperation. While we, as Iranians living under repression, yearn for a democratic future free from authoritarianism, we hope the United States will act as a beacon of freedom, not emulate the discriminatory practices we fight against at home.
End xenophobia. End blanket bans. Unite for democracy and human dignity.
June 8, 2025
