Second Annual MSP Iranian Film Festival: August 15-18, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

- MSP Film Society presents the second annual MSP Iranian Film Festival August 15-18, 2019 at the Film Society's Screen 3 at St. Anthony Main Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Festival showcases acclaimed and award-winning new Iranian cinema, and presents a variety of themes, genres, and perspectives of contemporary Iran. - 8/9/19

May The Force Be With You, Ilhan

- I definitely understand what the young Somali emigre, now a congresswoman from Minnesota, Ilhan Omar, has been going through. I understand how it feels to be told "Why don't you go back to where you came from." Or, "If you don't like it here, you can just leave!" I got used to being called a damn "furner" by my supervisor, a semi-literate redneck from Alabama, who was the "Party Chief" of a seismic exploration crew where I worked fresh out of college. -Kambiz Zarrabi - 7/19/19

Iran Judiciary Confirms Arrest Of French-Iranian Academic Fariba Adelkhah

- Iran's Judiciary has confirmed the arrest of French-Iranian academic Fariba Adelkhah, a day after French President Emmanuel Macron said he had raised the issue with Tehran. Macron demanded an explanation on July 15 from Iran after the arrest last month of Adelkhah, a researcher with the prestigious Paris Institute of Political Studies, who is believed to have been arrested by the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on suspicion of spying. -RFE/RL - 7/16/19

Is The U.S. State Department Funding Attacks On Iranian Activists Abroad?

- Considerable evidence emerged late this week connecting the U.S. State Department to a Twitter account that has engaged in online attacks against human rights organizations, Iranian-American activists, journalists, and others advocating against the escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran. The revelation is raising questions about whether the Trump administration is using federal funds to propagandize in favor of a potential Iran war. -Derek Davison - 6/1/19

Iranian-American organizations campaign against U.S. war with Iran

- Iranian-American organizations are actively campaigning against a U.S. war with Iran encouraging members of community to write to their members of Congress urging them to support the Prevention of Unconstitutional War with Iran Act. - 5/13/19

Benefit Concert In Sunnyvale, California for Iran's Flood Victims

- A unique and entertaining benefit concert featuring local artists. Proceeds from this concert will support the victims of the recent floods in Iran. The program will include performances by Naser Sheikhzadehgan, Amir Nojan, Amir Abbas Etemadi, Narges Jajarmi, Safi Rouhi and other local musicians. We are also excited to present to you vocal music by Shiraz Arts Academy Choir conducted by Amin Assadi. - 4/20/19

Iranian sculptor Masoud Akhavanjam presents two new sculptures in the Giardini Marinaressa alongside 2019 Venice Biennale

- Iranian sculptor Masoud Akhavanjam will exhibit two large scale, stainless steel sculptures, as part of the GAA Foundation's PERSONAL STRUCTURES - open borders exhibition, in the context of the 2019 Venice Biennale. The sculptures, Dilemma of Man and Metamorphosis will be exhibited publicly in Venice's waterfront park, Giardini Marinaressa from 5 May to 29 November 2019. Akhavanjam's industrial yet delicate forms draw on philosophy, contemporary socio-political issues and Persian mythology, so that within each work a didactic tale is contained. Both works contain three visible figures, melded seemingly effortlessly into each other. - 4/20/19

Tulsi Gabbard's Norooz Message: The Tropical Winds Of Hawaii

- Ms. Tulsi Gabbard, a House member from the state of Hawaii, and a Democratic candidate for the Presidential election of 2020 has issued a delightful message for Norooz. In her message, she says, " the beginning of Spring is such a beautiful metaphor for a new start and beginnings." Her positive initiative and outreach should be welcomed and celebrated by the Iranian community anywhere in the world. -Farid Marjai - 3/27/19

We Are Here, We Have Always Been Here

- An international conference hosted by San Francisco State University brings together the Iranian American diaspora -- one that has flourished, noticed or not, in the Bay Area. -Ida Mojadad, SF Weekly - 3/21/19

Norooz Spring Festival kicks off Persian New Year celebrations

- People gathered in Union Square Saturday, March 9, 2019 to commence Persian New Year Celebrations. Norooz (also spelled Nowruz) takes place on March 21 this year, however traditional activities happen for the weeks before and after the actual date. This event was hosted by Norooz Outreach and is the first event in what they anticipate will be an annual recurrence. -SF Examnanier - 3/11/19

Experience the Largest Nowruz Celebration in the USA: March 10 at UCLA

- The most colorful and lively festival of the year marking the arrival of spring, The Farhang Foundation Nowruz (the Iranian New Year) is back. This event has become the largest Nowruz festival in the United States. The special celebration brings together a variety of programming and excitement for all ages to enjoy. The daylong festival is free and open to the public for the 11th Annual Nowruz (the Iranian New Year) celebration at UCLA's Dickson Court, taking place on Sunday, March 10, 2019. - 3/2/19

First Ever Persian New Year Party in the Florida Capitol

- Every year, millions celebrate Persian New Year, or Norooz. This year for the first time ever, we are bringing the Persian New Year to the Florida Capitol! Join us we share Persian food, music, and dance to all of Florida! -Hosted by Office of Representative Anna V. Eskamani - 3/1/19

First Iranian-American Woman to Win Oscar Turns to Iran-Themed Films

- The first Iranian-American woman to win an Oscar, Rayka Zehtabchi, says she wants to build on Sunday's triumph of her documentary about menstruation by producing several films with Iran-related themes. -Michael Lipin, VOA - 2/27/19

NIAC Action Endorses Yasmine Taeb for Virginia State Senate

- NIAC Action is proud to announce its official endorsement of Yasmine Taeb, candidate for Virginia's 35th Senate District. Yasmine is waging a primary challenge against the Virginia Senate's Democratic Minority Leader, Dick Saslaw. - 2/20/19

Doostan Charity's Norooz party 2019: Saturday, March 9th in London

- Doostan Norooz party 2019 is the annual Doostan fund-raising events and a chance to thank our generous community for their continued support and donations by celebrating the start of the Persian New Year together and as a family of friends in this magnificent Dinner & Dance event. - 2/19/19

Iranian-American Michael Rostampour Invited To Iran's National Basketball Team

- Rising basketball player Mike Rostampour has been invited to Iran national basketball team. The 6ft 8in (2.03m) Minnesota-born forward has never seen action for the Iran national squad before, but has significant international basketball experience. - 2/6/19

Norooz, Persian New Year, added to Vancouver calendar of events

- Vancouver has added Norooz, the Persian new year festivity, to its official celebrations and observations calendar. Vancouver City Council has put the event on the calendar of the Canadian metropolis to recognize an intangible heritage of Iranians and other immigrants who celebrate the first day of the spring and the renewal of nature, IRNA reported on Saturday. - 2/5/19

Norooz Spring Festival in San Francisco: March 9, 2019 at Union Square

- Norooz Outreach and Diaspora Arts Connection proudly present the inaugural all-day "Norooz Spring Festival," celebrating the arrival of Spring on Saturday, March 9, 2019. Share the Norooz spirit by bringing your non-Persian friends and join us for a day of celebrations and festivities, including food, live-music, dance, Persian calligraphy and miniatures, activities for children, and other demonstrations of the symbols of Norooz. - 1/28/19

Lawyer Says Australian-Based Population Expert Released From Iranian Detention

- The lawyer for Meimanat Hosseini-Chavoshi says the Australian-based academic has been released by Tehran, which held her for more than a month on charges of trying to "infiltrate" Iranian institutions. Hosseini-Chavoshi, a dual Iranian-Australian citizen who works at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, was released by the court "a few days ago," her lawyer Mahmoud Behzadi said on January 27, according to the state news agency IRNA. - 1/28/19

Abbas Edalat, British-Iranian Professor, Home After Detention in Iran

- A British-Iranian professor who had been held in Iran since April has returned to England. Abbas Edalat, who teaches mathematics and computer science at Imperial College London, was arrested and held on unspecified security charges. -VOA - 12/26/18

Officials cite security as data shows drop in US visas granted to Iranian students,

- The United States has granted fewer visas to Iranian students over the past months, a trend that is blamed on President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban on Iran and several other Muslim nations. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), which tracks foreign students in the US, there are around 12,800 Iranians studying in the country, the highest in decades. However, there are signs the figure is taking a nosedive. -Press TV - 11/26/18

Persian Arts Festival 2018: November 30th in Brooklyn, New York

- A mystical way to ring in the holiday season as well as Yalda (the winter solstice), the evening will begin with Persian poetry curated by Roger Sedarat and special guests, and then launch into the main event, Aida Shahghasemi with a full band. - 11/16/18

Anna Eskamani's fame is rising -- in Iran

- Democratic state Rep.-elect Anna Eskamani has been no stranger to national media coverage throughout her campaign, and now her election in House District 47 Tuesday also is drawing attention of Iranian media and international media broadcasting into Iran. -Scott Powers, Florida Politics - 11/9/18

U.S. 2018 Midterm Elections: Iranian American Women Make History

- PAAIA congratulates Anna Eskamani, Anna Kaplan, Zahra Karinshak, and Sam Hamadani for making history in the 2018 midterm elections. Of the five Iranian American candidates endorsed by IAPAC, PAAIA's connected political action committee, four were successful in their campaigns. These women have become the first Iranian Americans to be elected to the New York, Georgia, and Florida state legislatures, and the first Iranian American judge to be elected in North Carolina. - 11/7/18

Iranian American Women Making Their Mark on the 2018 Midterm Elections

- The Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), the registered bipartisan connected political action committee of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), proudly supports five Iranian American women who are leading impressive campaigns in their respective races and who will be on the ballot in the November 6th General Election. - 11/6/18

Iranian-Americans Call Out U.S. Senator Graham For 'Terrible' Ancestry Gaffe

- A number of Iranian-Americans have responded with anger after U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham quipped in an interview that it would be "terrible" if DNA testing revealed that he had Iranian ancestry. -Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL - 10/19/18

"Terrible to be Iranian": Iranian-Americans Condemn Senator Graham's Remarks

- Appearing on Fox & Friends on Tuesday, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) made offensive comments when he joked that if he took a DNA test, it would probably show that he was "Iranian" and "that'd be, like, terrible." - 10/17/18

Swedish Academy, Which Awards Nobel In Literature, Elects Iranian-Born Poet As Member

- The Swedish Academy on October 5 announced it had elected an Iranian-born poet and a Swedish judge as new members in the wake of a sexual abuse scandal that forced it to postpone awarding a Nobel prize in literature this year. - 10/6/18

2018 National Public Opinion Survey of Iranian Americans: Survey Reveals Concern Over Discrimination and U.S. Policies

- Today, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) released the findings of its 2018 National Public Opinion Survey of Iranian Americans, revealing concerns over increased discrimination and U.S. policy towards Iran. More than three-quarters of respondents are worried about increased discrimination against Iranian Americans, and nearly half (49%) report that they have personally experienced discrimination. - 10/4/18

First engineering faculty in Canada named after a woman, Iranian-Canadian Gina Cody

- Gina Cody, MEng 81, PhD 89, is the first woman ever to be awarded a PhD in building engineering at Concordia. On September 24, 2018, Cody made a $15 million gift to Concordia's Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. In recognition of her generosity and tremendous professional accomplishments, the faculty was renamed the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science. It became the first engineering faculty in Canada named after a woman and one of the first of its kind in the world. - 10/1/18

Meet Iranian-American Shireen Ghorbani, Rising Candidate for Congress

- Today the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), the connected PAC of PAAIA, proudly announced its endorsement of Democratic nominee Shireen Ghorbani for Utah's 2nd Congressional District Race. If elected, Shireen would be the first American of Iranian descent to hold a position as a member of Congress. - 9/14/18

Iranian-American Innovation Forum 2018: September 15, 2018 at UC Irvine

- Sharif University of Technology Association (SUTA), together with the Samuel Jordan Center for Persian Studies and Culture at the University of California Irvine, and the Iranian-Americans' Contributions Project (IACP), are proud to present the day-long Iranian-American Innovation Forum, in the Pacific Ballroom of UC-Irvine, on Saturday September 15th, 2018. - 9/10/18

Professor Ehsan Yarshater, founder of Encyclopedia Iranica: April 3, 1920 - September 2, 2018

- It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Ehsan Yarshater on September 2, 2018 in Fresno, California. Endowed with a rare combination of a bold and broad scholarly vision, immense erudition, and unfailing determination, Professor Ehsan Yarshater transformed Iranian studies, creating an enduring legacy at Columbia University which advanced the scholarship and understanding of the histories, cultures and accomplishments of Iranian peoples. - 9/4/18

If Iran Accepts 'Iran-U.S. Treaty of Amity' Then Namazis Should Be Released

- A prominent U.S. human rights activist and the international attorney of Iranian-U.S. dual citizens Baquer and Siamak Namazi has linked his clients' case to the Iran-U.S. Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights. -Radio Farda - 8/30/18

Iranian-American woman Shabnam Lotfi running for Wisconsin's 77th District State Assembly

- The Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), the connected PAC of PAAIA, has announced its endorsement of Shabnam Lofti for Wisconsin's 77th District State Assembly. If elected, she would be the first Iranian American to serve in the Wisconsin Legislature. - 8/6/18

Iranian American and US Permanent Resident Released on Bail From Iran's Evin Prison

- Two years after being sentenced to long prison sentences without due process in Iran, Iranian American Karan Vafadari and his American permanent resident wife Afarin Neyssari were released on bail from Tehran's Evin Prison on July 21, 2018. - 7/25/18

Iranian Americans Speak Out Against Pompeo's Conflict of Choice with Iran

- Washington, D.C. - Jamal Abdi, Vice President for Policy of the National Iranian American Council, issued the following statement in advance of Sec. Mike Pompeo's address on Iran in California this evening. The National Iranian American Council organized a letter from prominent Iranian Americans objecting to the Trump administration's efforts to destabilize Iran, which was featured in a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times today: - 7/23/18

Blasting Iran's regime as 'not normal,' Pompeo calls on Iranian Americans for support in California visit

- The Trump administration on Sunday blasted the Iranian government as a kleptocracy that has amassed wealth at the cost of its people, the latest in a series of jabs at Iran's leadership following the United States' withdrawal from the nuclear deal. -Los Angeles Times - 7/23/18

Pompeo Reaches Out To Iranian-Americans Amid Hard-Line On Iran

- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will reach out to a divided Iranian-American community -- some of whom are dismayed by Washington's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the reimposition of sanctions as well as a travel ban that prevents many Iranians from entering the United States -- in a July 22 speech near Los Angeles. -Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL - 7/21/18

For L.A.'s Iranian American community, the World Cup means much more than soccer games

- For many, the World Cup gives people a chance to sideline politics and unite under the feel-good umbrella of sports diplomacy. In the current geopolitical climate, fat chance of that. -Melissa Etehad, Los Angeles Times - 6/16/18

51 Organizations Demand Congressional Oversight of Trump's Muslim Ban and Extreme Vetting

- On the eve of a potential decision by the Supreme Court on Trump's Muslim ban, fifty-one organizations representing millions of Americans have signed a letter calling on Congress to take necessary steps to obtain full information about the Trump Administration implementation of it's Muslim Ban and "extreme vetting" policies. -NIAC Action - 6/15/18

IRAN: MPs Propose An Amnesty For Diaspora Iranians

- The Islamic Republic's parliament (Majles) has drafted a double emergency motion to declare general amnesty and judicial immunity for diaspora Iranians. Meanwhile, the motion has also called for restricting death penalty across the country. - 6/15/18

IAPAC Endorses Anna Eskamani for Florida House 47

- The Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), the connected PAC of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans, proudly announces its support for Anna Eskamani for Florida House 47. A first generation Iranian American and an Orlando native, Anna Eskamani grew up in a working-class family who struggled to make ends meet. She has a twin sister, an older brother, and a caring father, but when she was 13 years old, Anna lost her mother to cancer. This loss in her family, coupled with the challenges her parents faced, inspires Anna to work hard for the most marginalized members of her community. - 6/4/18

Bijan Safai, M.D., D.Sc. Receives the Honorary Science Doctorate Bestowed by New York College of Podiatric Medicine

- Bijan Safai, M.D., D.Sc. Chair and Professor of Dermatology at New York Medical College, received the prestigious D.Sc. Honoris Causa bestowed upon him by New York College of Podiatric Medicine at their May 2018 Commencement. Dr. Safai was recognized for his seminal contributions, prolific scholarships and clinical and humanitarian practice, his seminal role on advances in dermatology, immunology and cancer, his practice of specialized dermatology, and his pivotal founding leadership role in Physician Affiliate Group of New York. - 5/31/18

Vida Ghaffari is the First Iranian-American to be inducted in the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame

- On Saturday, May 19th, actress Vida Ghaffari (The Mindy Project, Jimmy Kimmel Live) and many celebrities and luminaries in the martial arts world were inducted into the prestigious USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame at their gala at the Doubletree Hilton in Los Angeles. Ghaffari was bestowed with the Trailblazer Award. She is the first person of Iranian descent to be inducted. - 5/23/18

NYC's Premier Farsi Funk Band, Mitra Sumara, Announces New Album TAHDIG

- Mitra Sumara, New York City's only Farsi Funk group, is proud to announce their debut album Tahdig, set for release on June 8, 2018 on Persian Cardinal Recordings. This international party band revives the vibrant Persian pop and funk music silenced by the Iranian Revolution. The popular music of Iran in the 60s and 70s combined disco, funk, and Latin beats with Middle Eastern melodies and poetic lyrics. Mitra Sumara interprets hits by Iran's beloved singers such as Googoosh, Soli, Leila Forouhar, and remakes intoxicating Southern Iranian Bandari beat tunes. - 5/18/18

With $1 million gift from Farhang Foundation, UCLA plans to create new minor in Iranian music

- The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music will begin the process of establishing an academic minor in Iranian music with a generous $1 million gift from Farhang Foundation. A signing ceremony on April 27 at UCLA commemorated the gift. - 5/17/18

NIAC Requests U.S. Government Issue Exemption to Allow Mail to Iran

- With many Iranian Americans finding in recent months that their mail to family in Iran is being returned to them with obscure instructions from the U.S. Postal Service, NIAC has taken formal action to call on the U.S. government to once again allow Americans to send mail to Iran. - 5/3/18

Iran Detains Another Iranian British Citizen, Computer Scientist and Antiwar Activist Abbas Edalat

- Abbas Edalat, an Iranian British academic and antiwar activist based in London, has been detained in Iran since April 15, 2018, after being arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Edalat, a professor of computer science and mathematics at the Imperial College in London, had traveled to Iran from his home in London at an unknown date to attend an academic workshop. - 4/26/18

Philanthropist Bita Daryabari Receives Honorary Doctorate And Delivers Golden Gate University Commencement Address On April 27, 2018

- Award-winning philanthropist and humanitarian Bita Daryabari has been selected as the 2018 recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in Human Letters from her alma mater, Golden Gate University (GGU), where she will also deliver the commencement address on Friday, April 27, 2018. - 4/18/18

The Iranian American Women Foundation Launches New Los Angeles Chapter and Presents 16th IAWF Women's Leadership Conference on April 29, 2018, in Los Angeles

- The Iranian American Women Foundation (IAWF)-the only non-profit organization providing networking and mentorship services to women of Iranian descent across all professional industries-launches its Los Angeles Chapter and also presents the 16th IAWF Women's Leadership Conference in Los Angeles on April 29, 2018. Azita Raji, the first female U.S. ambassador to Sweden, and the first Iranian-born American to serve as a U.S. ambassador, will keynote the event. - 4/12/18

Iranian-American Woman Nazak Nikakhtar Becomes U.S. Assistant Commerce Secretary

- An Iranian-American lawyer on Tuesday sworn in as U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for industry and analysis affairs. On March 19, the U.S. Senate agreed to appoint Nazak Nikakhtar as the assistant secretary of commerce for industry and analysis affairs. - 4/5/18

Iranian-American Organizations File Amicus Brief In Supreme Court Travel Ban Case

- PARS Equality Center, The Iranian American Bar Association (IABA), and the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) have filed an amicus ('friend of the court") brief with the United States Supreme Court in support of the challenge to the Trump administration's third travel ban. - 3/31/18

Momeni Foundation is accepting applications for the year 2018 Academic Scholarships

- Momeni Foundation is dedicated to providing scholarships to graduating high school students and full time college students of Iranian descent anywhere in the world. Scholastic Achievement Scholarship - At least three (3 ea.) scholarships for an amount of $1,000.00 dollars each will be awarded to students that are graduating from high school and plan to attend college in Fall of 2018. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents of United States. - 3/31/18

Iranian Receives U.S. Visa To Help Brother With Cancer

- An Iranian man has been allowed to travel to the United States to donate bone marrow to his U.S. citizen brother with blood cancer, the family's lawyer says. Kamiar Hashemi was granted a visa by the U.S. State Department, obtaining a rare waiver to President Donald Trump's travel ban, Mahsa Khanbabai said on March 29. -Radio Farda - 3/30/18

Coalition of 10 Iranian American Organizations Hosts Nowruz Celebration in Washington, DC

- On March 15th, 2018, PAAIA joined nine other Iranian American organizations to host the 4th Annual Community Nowruz celebration at the Carnegie Institution for Science. Along with delicious Persian cuisine, a gorgeous Haftseen, and celebratory Persian music, the event featured addresses by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Jamie Raskin, and founder of HealthEZ and IAPAC board member Nazie Eftekhari. - 3/25/18

Iranian American Groups Urge Trump Admin to Investigate "Targeting" of Civil Servant Sahar Nowrouzzadeh

- Seven Iranian American organizations including the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) have called on the Trump administration to investigate credible allegations that career government employee Sahar Nowrouzzadeh was demoted from a top advisory position because "high level officials at the White House and State Department worked with a network of conservative activists to conduct a 'cleaning' of employees" including Nowrouzzadeh. - 3/23/18

Yolo County in Sacramento, California proclaims Tuesday, March 20, 2018 as Iranian-American Day

- WHEREAS, Iranian/Persian history dates back to 2,000 B.C. The people of Iran have celebrated Noruz, the New Year, on the first day of spring for 3,000 years; and WHEREAS, the Iranian people have a long tradition of tolerance and respect for human rights, including the establishment, in 550 8.C., of the earliest significant monarchy that contributed to the civilization of the world, under Cyrus the Great. Cyrus the Great freed the Jewish people from Babylonian oppression; and - 3/21/18

This business owner learned to take risks at a young age

- Anoosheh Oskouian, 54, is chief executive of Ship & Shore Environmental Inc., a multimillion-dollar Signal Hill company that makes pollution-reducing equipment. The firm also helps cut energy costs and develop energy alternatives for U.S. and foreign industrial companies. -Los Angeles Times - 3/15/18

Sacramento developer Ali Youssefi, instrumental in downtown resurgence, dies at age 35

- Ali Youssefi, a dynamic young developer involved in some of Sacramento's most important projects during its current renaissance, died Saturday after a battle with cancer. He was 35 - 3/12/18

PAAIA Mourns the Loss of Founding Member, Dr. Bahman Atefi

- PAAIA joins the Iranian American Community in mourning the loss of Dr. Bahman Atefi, who passed away suddenly in his home on Monday night. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, his friends, and all those who knew him. Born in Tehran, Iran in March 1953, Dr. Atefi came to the United States to study at Cornell University where he received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Later, he earned his Doctorate of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). - 3/8/18

A NOBLE LIFE: Tribute to Dr Farhang Mehr

- The recent passing away of Dr Farhang Mehr on 4 March 2018 brought to an end a vibrant, tumultuous and productive life that spanned 94 years. Born in Tehran on 11 December 1923, he had been raised by his parents as a Zoroastrian. From an early age he had been a top student at the Firooz Bahram High School where he had also dabbled in music developing an interest in playing the violin and learning ballroom dancing. An educated man with Iranian degrees in engineering, law, economics and political science he had also received several Western degrees in England and America. Like many of his generation he had partaken in the rapid modernization of his ancient and proud country. -Cyrus Kadivar - 3/8/18

The Non-Existent Waiver Process Under Trump's Muslim Ban

- The National Iranian American Council is appalled by the revelation that, despite the Trump Administration's claims that there is a "waiver" process to ensure his Muslim ban does not target family members of Americans, only two such waivers had been issued by Feb. 15 - out of 8,406 visa applications from "banned" countries. NIAC applauds the efforts of Senators Jeff Flake and Chris Van Hollen, who uncovered this information as part of an inquiry to the State Department. - 3/7/18

Uber CEO: Trump is ruining America's most valuable brand

- Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has lived the American Dream. Now he thinks President Trump is ruining it. "I'm incredibly lucky to have emigrated to the United States at a time when the US was welcoming," said Khosrowshahi, who came to the country as an Iranian refugee at the age of 9. -CNN - 3/1/18

IAAB v. Trump Muslim Ban Plaintiffs File Petition with the United States Supreme Court

- On Friday, the plaintiffs in Iranian Alliances Across Borders (IAAB) v. Trump joined plaintiffs in two other cases in filing a petition for certiorari to the United States Supreme Court. The parties have asked the Court to review their cases and are seeking an expedited briefing schedule so that the cases may be heard along with Hawaii v. Trump, another challenge to President Trump's Muslim ban, that is set for argument on April 25, 2018. - 2/27/18

Muslim Ban Plaintiffs Celebrate IAAB v. Trump Ruling: We Continue On Together

- Today (February 15, 2018), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, Va., upheld the Maryland district court's order blocking implementation of the Muslim Ban in three consolidated cases, Iranian Alliances Across Borders v. Trump, IRAP v Trump, and Zakzok v Trump. This ruling is a significant victory for the many individuals and families whose lives are still hanging in the balance. - 2/16/18

MENA Category Rejected by US Census Bureau Despite Clear Benefits

- The US Census Bureau once again declined to add a Middle East and North African (MENA) category for the 2020 census. Many Americans of Middle-Eastern descent, including Iranian Americans, have for decades sought the additional category so that the census more accurately reflects America's mosaic of different cultures and the voices of Iranian Americans are not ignored by lawmakers. - 2/9/18

PAAIA and Iranian American Coalition Works with Senators to Seek Clarification of the Travel Ban "Waiver" Process

- Today Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) sent a bipartisan letter to the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to seek clarification on the "waiver provisions" outlined in President Trump's latest Travel Ban. This letter comes after the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), Iranian American Bar Association (IABA), Pars Equality Center, and their legal counsels discussed the issue with Senator Van Hollen's office. - 2/1/18

NIAC Calls For Immediate Accountability For Officers Involved In The Fatal Shooting Of Bijan Ghaisar

- The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) issued the following statement in response to the release of video footage recorded by Fairfax County Police Department depicting the last moments of Bijan Ghaisar's life before he was shot to death by officers. - 1/25/18

PAAIA Emerging Leader, Yassamin Ansari, Discusses the Importance of Supporting Iranian American Candidates for Public Office

- Yassamin Ansari, a member of PAAIA's Emerging Leaders program, an initiative designed to engage the next generation of Iranian Americans in policy and public service, recently spoke with PAAIA about the importance of supporting Iranian American candidates for public office. Ansari recently hosted a fundraiser for Kia Hamadanchy, an Iranian American candidate running for Congress (CA-45). If successful, Hamadanchy could become the first Iranian American ever elected to Congress. - 12/26/17

First-Time New York State Senate Candidate Sarmad Khojasteh Launches Website to Raise Awareness, Introduce Himself to Voters

- New York State Senate candidate Sarmad Khojasteh (R) today officially launched his website www.sarmad4ny.com and social media accounts, further raising awareness about his candidacy, and to introduce himself to voters, outline policy positions, and raise money in preparation for the upcoming Special Election for the 37th District Senate Seat. - 12/22/17

The Conference that Challenged Trump's Travel Ban

- We are pleased to announce the return of the IAAB Conference in 2018! In partnership with the Hagop Kevorkian Center at New York University, IAAB's International Conference on the Iranian Diaspora will be held April 21-22, 2018 at New York University School of Law. - 11/30/17

Iran urges immediate probe into US police killing of young Iranian-American man

- Iran's Interests Section in Washington has called for an immediate investigation into the recent suspicious killing of a young Iranian man by US police, who have failed to provide justifiable reason for the fatal shooting. The United States Park Police officers shot Iranian-American man Bijan C. Ghaisar three times in the head in the state of Virginia on the evening of November 17. The police alleged that the 25-year-old man had been involved in a hit-and-run accident. He died Monday night after 10 days on life support. - 11/30/17

Earthquake-ravaged Iranians receive aid with help from Facebook

- Rendered numb from the news of a devastating earthquake in his home country, it took just an hour before Tohid Najafi, a Detroit-based Iranian medical professional, launched a Facebook fundraiser. -ABC News - 11/24/17

PAAIA Interviews Sanctions Attorney, Erich Ferrari, on Providing Earthquake Relief to the Iranian People

- In the wake of last Sunday's tragic earthquake in the Kermanshah region of Iran, Iranian Americans have gone to great lengths to help with the relief efforts, including taking to social media to help raise funds for earthquake relief. Unfortunately, many were surprised and confused by fraudulent charities popping up on social media, taking advantage of this tragedy and undermining the good will of Iranian Americans. - 11/24/17