This spring, PAAIA Members gathered in Washington, D.C. for Capitol Hill Days 2026, a multi-day advocacy initiative focused on elevating the voice of the Iranian American community and advancing policies supporting human rights, internet freedom, and family connectivity for the people of Iran.

Over the course of two days, PAAIA Members met with 16 congressional offices across both the House and Senate, engaging directly with Members of Congress and senior staff on bipartisan legislative priorities. Discussions centered on critical issues including internet freedom legislation, the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA), and targeted immigration relief for vetted Iranian nationals affected by ongoing instability and repression in Iran.

To maximize the effectiveness of the meetings, participating members were strategically divided into three regional groups led by PAAIA leadership, allowing constituents to meet directly with lawmakers representing their states and districts. Throughout the meetings, members shared deeply personal stories about family separation, the importance of secure communication access in Iran, and the impact U.S. policy decisions have on Iranian American families and communities.

Capitol Hill Days also included two private dinners with Members of Congress, creating opportunities for more in-depth conversations in an intimate setting. These discussions allowed lawmakers and PAAIA Members to exchange perspectives on foreign policy, human rights, immigration, and the priorities of the Iranian American community in a more personal environment.

The advocacy efforts were met with strong bipartisan engagement, with several Members of Congress expressing support for legislation aligned with PAAIA’s priorities and agreeing to further review or support key policy initiatives discussed during the meetings.

In preparation for Capitol Hill Days, PAAIA developed comprehensive briefing materials for congressional offices and participating members, including policy packets, legislative analyses, and survey findings highlighting the perspectives of the Iranian American community. Members also distributed congressional leave-behinds focused on PAAIA’s 2026 conflict and policy survey findings.

Beyond policy discussions, Capitol Hill Days reflected the continued growth and civic engagement of the Iranian American community. The event brought together longtime supporters, emerging young leaders, professionals, philanthropists, and advocates from across the country — all united by a shared commitment to ensuring Iranian American voices are represented in the policymaking process.

PAAIA extends its gratitude to all participating members, congressional offices, supporters, and staff who helped make Capitol Hill Days 2026 a success. We look forward to continuing these important conversations and strengthening relationships on Capitol Hill in the months ahead.