Representatives Wilson (R-SC) and Moskowitz (D-FL) have introduced the “No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act“, which would ban U.S. travel to Iran, preventing Iranian Americans from being able to travel to Iran to see their families. It is undoubtedly clear that this type of ban would not inhibit Iran’s hostage-taking practices but would, in reality, deeply affect our Iranian-American diaspora which actively maintains its ties to Iran.
No government, whether Iranian or American, should threaten the Iranian-American community with jail time to prevent us from being able to see our loved ones.
We must stop these attempts to restrict Iranian American rights before it’s too late.
Here is a step-by-step guide to call your representative’s office to express your opposition to this proposal
Step 1: Pick a time before 5pm ET/2pm PT to call.
Step 2: Dial 844-ACT-NIAC to be connected with your local representative’s office.
Step 3: When you connect with the office, whether it’s with a person or the voicemail, make sure to say your name.
Step 4: Here is a sample script you can use with our legislative asks, but you are encouraged to share your personal reasons for why you are against a ban on travel to Iran.
Back to topI was shocked and deeply disturbed to see Representatives Wilson and Moskowitz introduce the “No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act” which includes a ban on travel to Iran. While targeted measures to prevent hostage-taking in Iran are appropriate, a travel ban would constitute yet another measure to punish ordinary civilians for actions they have no control over. As your constituent, I call on you to oppose this legislation.
No government, whether Iranian or American, should threaten the Iranian-American community with jail time to prevent us from being able to see our loved ones. I urge you to reject this harmful legislation which would tear families apart and prevent it from becoming law.