Hossein Noushabadi, Director General for Parliamentary and Consular Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, told Tasnim on Tuesday that the US immigration authorities have been planning for months to deport about 400 Iranians, most of whom had entered the country illegally, mainly via Mexico, in line with the American administration’s new restrictive immigration policy.
He noted that in the first phase, Washington has decided to deport 120 Iranians.
“According to available information, these individuals will return to the country within the next one or two days,” he said, adding that some of those being sent back even held valid residency permits but were nevertheless placed on the deportation list. He said the US officials had also sought the consent of those returning.
Noushabadi stated that Iran has been following the issue through its Interests Section in Washington as well as through the US Interests Section in Tehran. “We have urged the American government to respect the rights of Iranian migrants and their citizenship rights under international law. They must not be denied consular services, fair judicial process, or the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” he underlined.
The official reiterated that Iran will welcome and provide full consular support to citizens returning home. “These individuals are Iranians who left the country legally. However they entered the United States is another matter. Their return to the homeland faces no obstacle, as Iran will always support its citizens,” he stated.
He added that coordination has been completed for the group’s arrival, noting that they are expected to enter Iran via Qatar within the next two days.