FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shayan Modarres
Phone: (407) 408-0494
Email: [email protected]

Washington, D.C. – The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) is extremely pleased with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision upholding the lower court ruling that grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins are “bona fide relationships” under the Supreme Court’s guidance and should be exempt from the Trump administration’s Muslim ban.

“Almost every court in the country that has had the opportunity to examine President Trump’s Muslim ban has reached the conclusion that it is unconstitutional,” said Shayan Modarres, Legal Counsel for NIAC. “In the face of defeat, the Trump administration tried to double down and ban grandmothers and close family, and we are relieved that this latest effort to tear families apart has also failed.”

The Muslim ban is set to be heard by the Supreme Court on October 10th. But already, visa applicants have been confronted with new obstacles implemented by the Trump administration. Earlier this year, an “extreme vetting” policy was unveiled which has subjected an unspecified class of visa applicants to heightened scrutiny and significantly driven down the number of visas issued. Last week, the administration announced that certain employment-based visa applicants would be subject to in-person interviews, which could have a negative impact on visa processing times and costs.

“While today’s decision is further confirmation of the unconstitutionality of President Trump’s Muslim ban and attempts to ban grandmothers under the guise of national security, much work remains. The President has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to cruel, inhumane and racist immigration policies, and we are confident that he will continue to be disappointed in courts across our country.”

###