NIAC

09/12/2024

Alien land laws are legislative efforts to restrict property ownership based on national origin.

Since 2023, starting in Texas, state and federal lawmakers have pushed for laws that limit property rights for nationals of certain countries, including Iran. These laws echo discriminatory practices from American history, using national security concerns to justify xenophobia.

These laws could directly discriminate against Iranian Americans by restricting their ability to buy property.

In some cases, the laws target U.S. citizens, green card holders, and Iranian nationals. If enacted, they could lead to widespread discrimination against our community in the real estate market.

Even when laws do not explicitly target U.S. citizens, labeling Iranian heritage as a security threat can create a slippery slope for further restrictions. This is similar to the progression from visa waiver discrimination to Donald Trump’s Muslim ban.

The House is planning to vote on legislation to require the federal government to monitor and report on all purchases of agricultural land by Iranian green card holders, visa holders, and refugees.

Tell your Members of Congress to reject H.R. 9456 when it comes to a vote in the House: https://www.niacouncil.org/campaign/tell-congress-no-to-h-r-9456-and-all-discriminatory-land-laws/

09/12/2024

Tell Congress NO to Discriminitory Land Laws!

09/11/2024

To learn more about discriminatory Alien Land Laws and how YOU can take action, visit niacouncil.org/alien-land-laws/

09/11/2024

On this solemn day, we remember the lives lost on 9/11 and reaffirm our commitment to justice, unity, and defending civil rights for all.

09/11/2024

September 11th was a national tragedy that forever changed the fabric of our country. Thousands of innocent lives were lost, leaving an indelible mark on our collective memory.

Unfortunately, instead of unifying, communities like ours were scapegoated. National security measures led to civil liberty crackdowns, fueling xenophobia and racial profiling, especially against Middle Eastern and Muslim communities.

As we honor this solemn anniversary, we redouble our commitment to defending civil rights, advancing peace, and ensuring our communities are protected, heard, and represented.

09/10/2024

The Biden administration entered office in 2021 with a clear mandate on Iran: Joe Biden had run in opposition to the Trump administration’s scuttling of the 2015 nuclear deal, vowing to restore the agreement.

However, by failing to rejoin the deal decisively, Iran’s nuclear program advanced, tensions escalated, Iran has grown more repressive, and Trump continues to attack Biden and Harris as "too soft" on Iran.

Harris shouldn’t try to out-hawk Trump on Iran. Attacking him for not being hawkish enough risks alienating anti-war voters.

Instead, she should focus on Trump’s reckless policies, which ended crucial restraints on Iran’s nuclear program and worsened the situation, while highlighting the need for diplomacy.

Harris must differentiate her approach by calling for serious negotiations with Iran, not endless sanctions or saber-rattling.

The vast majority of Americans don’t want war, and Harris can win by being smarter about addressing security threats through diplomacy, not military might.

Read more here:
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/trump-harris-iran/

09/06/2024

No nation should be sending weapons to a belligerent state engaged in an illegal war and mass rights violations against ordinary citizens. This is true for the U.S. government arming Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, and it is true of the Iranian government’s alleged provision of ballistic missiles for Russia’s assault on Ukraine.

Iran, which often notes how the world turned a blind eye as Saddam rained missiles on Iranian cities, is now accused of sending Russia missiles as it continues its invasion of Ukraine and uses its weaponry to deadly effect against ordinary civilians. If true, it is a direct step against the interests of peace and stability that should be condemned. It would also likely make de-escalation and diplomacy with the West, which Iran’s new President has declared he seeks, much more difficult.

More broadly, deepening military cooperation between Russia and Iran in recent years is an unfortunate and predictable consequence of the Trump administration’s decision to snap back sanctions on Iran and scuttle hard-fought efforts to improve ties with the West, and the Biden administration’s failure to restore the accord. We scuttle diplomatic solutions to problems like these at our own peril. More sanctions for deepening Russia-Iran military ties will not not seriously punish either nation’s leaders, as each nation is already deeply sanctioned. But some of the consequences being discussed – like cutting off travel to and from Europe for Iran Air – risk having serious consequences for ordinary Iranians and others in the diaspora. The U.S. and Europe must make a break from the dead end policies of escalation and isolation, and find a way to de-escalate across the board with Iran.

https://www.niacouncil.org/press_room/iranian-governments-provision-of-ballistic-missiles-for-russias-assault-on-ukraine/

09/06/2024

BREAKING:

NIAC & leading human rights organizations urgently call upon President Joe Biden to suspend weapons transfers to Israel, which continue to cause devastating harm and risk making the United States complicit in war crimes.

International law, U.S. law and the Biden administration’s policies, including NSM-20, require suspending weapons transfers to the Israeli government.

Israel appears to be violating international and U.S. laws months after the administration last issued a report on whether it is respecting those standards, notes a Tuesday letter to top officials obtained by HuffPost.

09/06/2024

Videos from Mohammad Mirmosavi’s funeral showed wounds consistent with severe beatings after he was killed by Iranian police.

The Iranian Police Information Center released a statement attributing the death of Mohammad Mirmosavi to officers' "lack of control over anger and emotions" and their "disregard for the detainee’s condition."

Local sources alleged Mirmosavi was beaten in a part of the police station without surveillance and that his requests for medical attention were ignored. Additional sources close to the family also reported intense pressure not to share details and claimed his hands were bound for hours.

NIAC strongly condemns the killing and abuse endured by Mirmosavi by Iranian authorities, who cyclically violate the basic human rights obligations when holding individuals in police custody.
Read more about Mirmosavi’s story here: https://www.niacouncil.org/news/08-30-24/

09/05/2024

NIAC joined leading human rights organizations – including the Center for Civilians in Conflict, Amnesty International, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Human Rights Watch, and others – to demand an immediate suspension of lethal U.S. arms transfers to Israel in light of repeated violations of both international and U.S. law.

The U.S. has continued to provide military assistance to the Israeli government despite the catastrophic impact of these weapons on civilians in the occupied Gaza Strip and West Bank.

https://civiliansinconflict.org/press-releases/ngos-to-president-biden-end-arms-transfers-to-israel-amid-continued-violations-of-us-law-policy/

08/31/2024

The United States government should investigate reports of Israeli influence campaigns targeting American citizens, civil society and elected officials with the same scrutiny as reports of Iranian or Russian officials attempting to interfere in our democracy.

Today NIAC led 30+ organizations in demanding the Biden administration call for an investigation and accountability into covert Israeli influence operations targeting Americans.

08/31/2024

The growing risks of regional war have been apparent for more than ten months - U.S. leaders must finally utilize full leverage to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and actively support diplomatic engagement with Iran to de-escalate rising tensions.

08/30/2024

The Department of Treasury is accepting public comments regarding discriminatory bank account closures.

If you are Iranian American and have had your bank account closed or frozen with no notice PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY BY SEPTEMBER 3RD - https://www.niacouncil.org/campaign/tell-your-story-submit-a-comment-to-the-department-of-treasury-on-banking-discrimination/

08/28/2024

Jamal Ameli, a celebrated poet and political activist linked to Iran’s 2009 Green Movement, has been jailed once again.

Currently held in Ward 8 of Evin Prison, Ameli’s circumstances have been worsened by his autoimmune disease, which has since worsened during his time in Evin as he has been denied medical leave and treatment.

Ameli was first arrested in 2009 during the nationwide protests against the disputed presidential election results. Detained after the Ashura protests for his critical posts on Facebook, he spent over four months in Evin Prison, including 56 days in solitary confinement.

While his skills in chess and poetry quickly earned him a reputation among fellow inmates, he also quickly gained recognition outside of prison as the “Green Poet,” with his verses shared widely across social media. One of his rubaiyat – or poetic verses – which was inspired by the ongoing house arrest of opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, became particularly popular.

Most recently, during the height of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in November 2022, Ameli was arrested again and later accused of tweeting with the hashtags ‘Mahsa Amini’ and ‘Stop Executions,’ as well as attending a birthday party, which the authorities perceived as associating with leftist circles. He was ultimately charged with propaganda against the regime.

Read more about Ameli’s life and career in our latest Human Rights Tracker: https://www.niacouncil.org/human_rights_tracker/jamal-ameli-the-poet-of-the-green-movement-behind-bars-once-again/

08/27/2024

An August 20 YouGov poll asked 1,565 Americans “If Iran attacks Israel in the next year, should the US military get involved?”

A plurality said no.

More war will not stabilize the region, but it will get a lot more innocent people killed. The US must use its leverage for a ceasefire before the war expands.

Full survey available at:https://d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/econtoplines_m7wODye.pdf

08/26/2024

Some highlights from our Picnic for Peace!

NIAC’s New York Chapter brought together Iranian Americans and allies from Peace Action New York State, Friends Committee on National Legislation - FCNL, MADRE, Rebuilding Alliance, The Riverside Church, Action Corps New York, IfNotNow NYC and many others in Central Park!

We are grateful to be in a community that advocates for a ceasefire, no war with Iran and human rights.

If you want to get involved in this kind of community building work let us know!

08/26/2024

More serious escalation between Hezbollah and Israel.

What was true ten months ago is still true today - without a ceasefire, the risks of war entangling the U.S. and Iran in a bloody confrontation will continue to grow.

Biden must use his leverage for a ceasefire, now.

08/26/2024

It's a day that ends in Y so of course Lindsey Graham has another terrible idea to bomb Iran.
We don't need more war, just a ceasefire, to bring hostages home and stop the killing.

08/23/2024

For years, NIAC has sought to address widespread banking discrimination against Iranians and Iranian Americans who have dealt with no-notice bank account freezes and even closures, causing immense disruption to their lives solely on the basis of their national heritage. We have long-worked with banks, legislators, and the U.S. government to achieve a solution that upholds federal regulations without undermining civil rights.

Thankfully, this past July, the Department of Treasury and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed a rule to strengthen and modernize the way that banks conduct their Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Finance of Terrorism (CFT) Programs. These are the very programs which have contributed to the ongoing pattern of de-risking, or banking discrimination, against the Iranian and Iranian-American community, along with sweeping U.S. sanctions against Iran and legislation like the Patriot Act.

In response to this proposed rule, NIAC submitted a public comment detailing the history of our work on this issue as well as how the Department of Treasury can expand upon its proposed rule to better address de-risking: https://www.niacouncil.org/news/niac-submits-public-comment-on-proposed-rule-to-address-banking-discrimination/

We are grateful to see the needle finally starting to move on an issue we have worked to address for so many years, and remain committed to working towards a solution that preserves banking access and financial freedom for Iranians and Iranian Americans.

08/22/2024

Donald Trump’s Muslim Ban separated thousands of Iranians and Iranian Americans from their loved ones, denying visas to 30,000 Iranians. Now, he plans to re-impose this ban if he returns to the White House. Thankfully, Rep. Judy Chu and Sen. Chris C***s recently re- introduced the NO BAN Act to prevent future travel bans.

Take action to demand your lawmaker sign on now: https://secure.everyaction.com/DlXP22np-kipNhJ-2QqSlg2

08/21/2024

The Biden administration claims to support a ceasefire deal to address the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, avert regional war, and return hostages.

It cannot achieve those goals if it continues providing a blank check to Benjamin Netanyahu.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/10/us-to-send-3-5bn-more-in-military-aid-to-israel-amid-war-on-gaza

08/20/2024

Arezou Badri Afsouran, a 31-year-old woman in Noor, Mazandaran Province, has been left unable to walk after being shot in the back by police while driving.

Badri, the mother of two young children, was initially taken to a hospital in Noor before being transferred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari for lung surgery, where she remains under heavy security. Authorities only allow her family brief visits, confiscating their phones beforehand and prohibiting them from taking photos or videos—actions that further deepen concerns about transparency and accountability in this case.

08/19/2024

No one should be sent to prison for making music.

We are encouraged by the news that the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan has acquitted Toomaj Salehi on the charge of "corruption on earth" from his 2022 case.

The initial announcement of the death sentence for Salehi sparked widespread global outcry, with human rights organizations and Western governments demanding the cancellation of his sentence as well as his release.

Read more https://www.niacouncil.org/news/pezeshkians-cabinet-faces-criticism-over-military-influence-and-lack-of-diversity-police-shooting-in-mazandaran-leaves-woman-paralyzed-sparking-criticism-over-use-of-force-and-more/

08/19/2024

A major update on the campaign to strengthen political representation for our community:

In March 2024, the U.S. Census officially adopted a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Category for inclusion in the 2030 Census, with an Iranian subcategory as well. While securing this category after decades of advocacy and research is indeed a significant win, ensuring full and proper implementation of the category is the most urgent and essential next step in this process.

Thankfully, the American Community Survey (ACS), the lead data collection mechanism of the Census Bureau, put forth its proposed implementation plan for all of the changes adopted for the upcoming 2030 Census, including the MENA category. The plan itself includes a deadline for implementation in 2027, along with some potential experimental surveying techniques to produce a limited set of data products earlier than 2027 in order to prepare the most detailed and accurate data in the years leading up to the 2030 Census. This provides an opportunity to prepare for the formal data collection process by experimenting how communities, including MENA, respond to the annual American Community Survey and, ultimately, the 2030 Census.

NIAC submitted a public comment detailing our support for the MENA category and our feedback on the proposed implementation plan:

In March 2024, the U.S. Census officially adopted a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Category for inclusion in the 2030 Census, with an Iranian subcategory as well. While securing this category after decades of advocacy and research is indeed a significant win, ensuring full and proper implem

08/19/2024

Iranian athletes, particularly women, delivered outstanding performances at this year’s Olympic Games.

Iranian taekwondo athlete Nahid Kiani made history by winning the silver medal in the 57kg weight class. Kiani reached the final after three consecutive victories, including a notable win against fellow Iranian and friend Kimia Alizadeh, who was representing her new country of Bulgaria. However, Kiani was defeated by her South Korean opponent in the final match. Kiani’s silver medal marks the highest Olympic medal ever won by an Iranian woman.

Despite being denied a shot at the gold medal, Kimia Alizadeh continued the competition and secured a bronze medal for Bulgaria. This achievement makes Alizadeh the first woman born in Iran to win two Olympic bronze medals. Previously, Alizadeh had made her own mark on Iranian sports, securing a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. However, Alizadeh left the country after her historic achievement, criticizing Iran’s treatment of women and mandatory hijab laws. In the Olympic Games in Tokyo, she competed for the refugee team, but secured citizenship in Bulgaria in time to compete for her new nation at the Paris Olympics.

08/19/2024

هیچ کسی نباید تنها به خاطر خواندن آواز به زندان برود.

خبر خوب اینکه دادگاه انقلاب اصفهان توماج صالحی را از اتهام «فساد فی الارض» تبرئه کرد.

دادگاه اولیه برای صالحی حکم اعدام اعلام کرده بود و این مساله اعتراضات گسترده جهانی را برانگیخت و سازمان های حقوق بشر و دولت های غربی خواستار لغو حکم و همچنین آزادی وی شدند.

08/19/2024

An important update on the fight to protect our community’s right to own property in the U.S.:

Since 2023, we have tracked the nationwide spread and codification of modern-day “alien land laws,” targeting Iranians and other communities’ basic rights to owning real estate property, solely on the basis of national origin. We strongly oppose these xenophobic laws because they violate the basic principles of equality and fairness.

Fortunately, this past July, the Department of Treasury released a proposed rule to expand the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to include real estate transactions near military installations. As the appropriate federal authority for investigating any potential national security implications of real estate transactions, we welcome this update. It offers a much more promising alternative to alleviating national security concerns without directly undermining individual civil rights. /1

Expanding CFIUS authority presents the first of many steps to fully addressing and ultimately halting this new wave of blatant discrimination against our community. It rightfully updates existing legal mechanisms as opposed to creating new, xenophobic ones.

NIAC submitted a public comment on the proposed rule, outlining the history of our work on this issue and suggesting how the Department of Treasury can build on this essential first step. For more details, you can read NIAC's full comment here:

In July 2024, the Department of Treasury released a proposed rule to expand the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to include real estate transactions near military installations. As the appropriate federal authority for investigating any potential natio

08/18/2024

Calling all Californians!☀️🌴

In May 2024, the California State Assembly held AB 2763 - the California MENA Inclusion Act - in suspense reportedly due to budgetary concerns. However, as the campaign to has made clear, our communities are priceless and deserve to be counted and represented in their home state.

With strong support from California’s state senators, we are issuing a new call on Speaker of the California Assembly Robert Rivas to release AB 2763 from its suspense so that the senate can pick up and pass this much-needed bill during the remainder of the 2024 legislative session.

Send Speaker Rivas a message today urging him to :

https://actionnetwork.org/call_campaigns/call-speaker-of-assembly-rivas-to-release-the-ca-mena-inclusion-act/

08/18/2024

For four years, Trump’s Muslim Ban tore families apart and halted the dreams of many Iranians. With Trump promising to reinstate the ban, it's crucial we act. The NO BAN Act, introduced by Rep. Judy Chu and Sen. Chris C***s, aims to stop future discriminatory travel bans. Join us in this fight.

Demand your lawmakers sign on https://secure.everyaction.com/DlXP22np-kipNhJ-2QqSlg2

08/17/2024

No one should be imprisoned for peaceful political activity or expressing their opinions.

From the 1979 Islamic Revolution to the 2009 Green Movement to the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, Alireza Beheshti Shirazi – currently imprisoned in Evin – has consistently remained a leading voice for change throughout modern Iranian history. As one of Mir-Hossein Mousavi’s closest advisors, Beheshti Shirazi often wrote Mousavi’s speeches while also managing the “Kalameh Sabz” newspaper, which was shut down shortly after the disputed election results in 2009.

Most recently, during the nationwide “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests of 2022, Beheshti Shirazi participated in the “Save Iran” conference, a virtual dialogue held in April 2023 which convened over 40 political, social, and human rights advocates from both inside and outside Iran. Beheshti Shirazi delivered a speech titled “Change in Iran is Inevitable” which ultimately led to his arrest in May 2023, resulting in a one-year prison sentence for propaganda against the state.

NIAC condemns the continued detention of Mr. Beheshti Shirazi and all other political prisoners, and urges the Islamic Republic to promptly release these individuals and ensure that all Iranians can exercise their fundamental rights without fear of imprisonment.

Learn more about Shirazi’s case and work through the years in our latest human rights tracker:

برای خواندن این مطلب به فارسی اینجا را کلیک کنید From the 1979 Islamic Revolution to the 2009 Green Movement to the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, Alireza Beheshti Shirazi – currently imprisoned in Evin – has consistently remained a leading voice...