PAAIA welcomes the introduction of the Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act (ITIRA), a targeted legislative proposal led by Rep. Yassamin Ansari to address a growing and urgent challenge facing Iranian nationals in the United States. 

Since late 2025, Iranian nationals lawfully present in the U.S. have been directly impacted by a government-imposed pause on the adjudication of immigration applications. Individuals who followed all legal requirements — submitting timely applications for immigrant or nonimmigrant status, extensions, or work authorization — have been left in a state of legal limbo through no fault of their own. Many now face the risk of losing lawful status or the ability to work, despite having complied fully with U.S. law. 

At the same time, conditions in Iran have significantly deteriorated due to ongoing conflict and a documented pattern of violent repression, including the January 2026 crackdown on protesters. For many, returning to Iran is not only impractical but dangerous. 

The ITIRA offers a narrow, pragmatic solution to this unprecedented situation — ensuring that individuals who did everything right are not penalized. 

What the ITIRA Does 

The Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act would: 

• Apply ONLY to Iranian nationals who are currently in the United States LEGALLY and have filed good-faith immigration applications (immigrant or nonimmigrant) impacted by the adjudication pause  

• Provide temporary protected status (TPS) to eligible individuals whose applications have been delayed  

• Grant immediate and continued work authorization, allowing individuals to support themselves and their families  

• Prevent individuals from falling out of legal status or accruing unlawful presence due to processing delays  

• Protect pending immigration applications, ensuring individuals do not lose their place in line or face negative consequences  

• Establish a clear, rolling application process with no arbitrary deadlines  

• Require regular reporting to Congress on implementation and adjudication progress  

Who Is Eligible 

The bill is narrowly tailored and applies only to individuals who: 

• Are Iranian nationals currently in the United States legally  

• Filed good-faith applications for:  

• Change of status (from nonimmigrant to nonimmigrant)  

• Adjustment of status (toward permanent residency)  

• Extension of stay  

• Work authorization or renewal  

• Have applications that are delayed due to the adjudication pause  

• Have complied with all U.S. immigration laws and procedures  

Who Is NOT Eligible 

The legislation includes strict safeguards to ensure it is security-conscious. Individuals are NOT eligible if they: 

• Have been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors in the United States  

• Pose a threat to public safety or national security  

• Are inadmissible under U.S. immigration law  

• Have engaged in persecution, serious criminal activity, or security-related offenses  

Additionally, individuals are explicitly excluded if they: 

• Are or have been an official or agent of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), or any entity owned or controlled by them  

• Have been responsible for, complicit in, or directed:  

• Significant acts of corruption, including misuse of public funds or natural resources  

• Gross human rights violations, including torture, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, or suppression of fundamental freedoms  

• Material support, financing, or services to sanctioned Iranian entities or actors  

• Are immediate family members who knowingly benefited from such illicit activities  

Why This Matters 

The current situation is both urgent and unprecedented. Iranian nationals in the United States are caught in a system where they cannot safely return to their home country, yet are unable to maintain their legal status or work authorization due to a U.S. government pause on processing their applications. 

Many of those affected are highly skilled professionals, students, researchers, and entrepreneurs — including individuals working in healthcare, technology, and academia — who contribute meaningfully to the U.S. economy and strengthen local communities across the country. 

The ITIRA helps: 

• Prevent unnecessary financial hardship for families  

• Protect American employers and economic productivity  

• Preserve U.S. competitiveness in key sectors  

• Uphold the integrity of the immigration system by ensuring individuals are not punished for government delays  

At its core, this legislation reinforces a fundamental principle: the United States distinguishes between the Iranian people and the government of Iran, and stands with those who seek to live, work, and contribute lawfully in our country. 

Take Action 

Congress must act to ensure that individuals who followed the law are not unfairly penalized. 

We urge members of the community and supporters to make their voices heard. Use our action alert tool to contact your Representatives and Senators and call on them to support the Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act. 

Take action today and help protect thousands of individuals and families facing uncertainty.