Four months post-deportation to Panama, Artemis Ghasemzadeh, a 27-year-old Iranian Christian, remains in a precarious situation as she awaits her fate. Previously, she was unable to claim asylum in the U.S. due to expedited removal policies under the Trump administration. With her temporary humanitarian visa expiring soon, Ghasemzadeh expresses uncertainty about her future, fearing reprisals for her faith back in Iran, where conversions from Islam are punishable by death.
In response to her plight, U.S. Representative Yassamin Ansari, an Iranian-American Democrat from Arizona, plans to introduce the Artemis Act. This proposed legislation aims to halt the expedited removals of individuals fleeing nations where religious persecution is prevalent. It would also provide these individuals the opportunity to present their claims for asylum in U.S. immigration courts.
While Ansari has garnered support from her Democratic colleagues and is optimistic about securing some Republican backing, experts have cited the bill's slim chances of passage. Much of this resistance arises from Republican dominance in Congress, where there is little appetite for reforms that might roll back strict immigration policies established by the previous administration.
Despite the challenges, the introduction of the Artemis Act signifies a powerful message to Ghasemzadeh and other deported Iranian Christians who find themselves trapped in Panama. They feel their struggles are now recognized at higher political levels, with advocacy groups rallying around their cause to ensure their voices are heard.
In response to her plight, U.S. Representative Yassamin Ansari, an Iranian-American Democrat from Arizona, plans to introduce the Artemis Act. This proposed legislation aims to halt the expedited removals of individuals fleeing nations where religious persecution is prevalent. It would also provide these individuals the opportunity to present their claims for asylum in U.S. immigration courts.
While Ansari has garnered support from her Democratic colleagues and is optimistic about securing some Republican backing, experts have cited the bill's slim chances of passage. Much of this resistance arises from Republican dominance in Congress, where there is little appetite for reforms that might roll back strict immigration policies established by the previous administration.
Despite the challenges, the introduction of the Artemis Act signifies a powerful message to Ghasemzadeh and other deported Iranian Christians who find themselves trapped in Panama. They feel their struggles are now recognized at higher political levels, with advocacy groups rallying around their cause to ensure their voices are heard.
