Ansari Introduces “Artemis” Act, Named for Christian Convert Seeking Asylum, to Protect Due Process for All

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) introduced the Artemis Act, legislation to protect due process by preventing individuals from facing expedited removal from the U.S. if they are nationals of or would be deported to countries designated by the State Department as engaging in severe violations of religious freedom. Ansari’s bill is named for Artemis Ghasemzadeh, a 27-year-old Iranian immigrant who was deported to Panama after seeking asylum in the United States. 

Ms. Ghasemzadeh, who speaks fluent English, was not given the required “credible fear” interview offered to those seeking asylum. Further, she was denied access to counsel, separated from her brother with whom she immigrated, told she was being moved to Texas from California, and instead put on a military aircraft to Panama. 

“Artemis Ghasemzadeh was denied the due process afforded to asylum seekers by law, plain and simple,” said Rep. Ansari. “Returning to the Islamic Republic of Iran would mean immediate–potentially deadly–danger for her, both as a woman and a Christian convert. Just a few days ago, I had the immense honor of speaking with Artemis over WhatsApp–she was so brave and resilient. My hope is that this legislation ensures that the nightmare she has endured never happens to anyone else.” 

“As a Christian convert fleeing danger, I trusted the United States would embrace me, offering safety to practice my faith freely,” said Ms. Ghasemzadeh. “Despite warnings, I arrived, confident in America’s welcome. But being sent to Panama without a chance to plead my case shattered my dream of America. I hope one day it will again be a sanctuary for those seeking religious freedom.”

View text of the legislation HERE. 

Additionally, today, Representative Ansari led a number of her colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Krisi Noem requiring clarifications on DHS policies on due process, protection for vulnerable groups, agreements with third-party countries taking U.S. deportees, and human rights considerations. This follows her trip to El Salvador in which she attempted to check on the welfare and status of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland resident who was deported by the Trump Administration without due process.

The letter was signed by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20).

Support for the letter:

“Deporting immigrants, including Asian immigrants, to countries other than their own without due process is outrageous and unlawful,” said Martin Kim, Director of Immigration Advocacy at Asian Americans Advancing Justice. “These deportations to countries like Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Libya, which in some cases occurred despite court orders explicitly forbidding them, should be concerning to everyone, not just the immigrant community. We thank Rep. Ansari and her colleagues for demanding answers about this practice from the Department of Homeland Security and the Trump Administration.”