URGENT UPDATE: The Trump administration has caught the Albanese government off guard by threatening to deport Iranian man Reza Zavvar to Australia. This shocking development unfolded after Zavvar, aged 52, was arrested by US immigration agents in Gaithersburg, Maryland, while walking his dog.
Zavvar, who arrived in the US in 1985 on a student visa and later received asylum, faces deportation despite having lived in the US for decades. He has been granted a “withholding of removal order” since 2007, which protects him from returning to Iran due to safety concerns. However, his immigration status was jeopardized by two decades-old misdemeanors related to marijuana possession, a charge that is now outdated as recreational cannabis is legal in Maryland.
This alarming situation escalated when US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) notified Zavvar of plans to deport him to either Australia or Romania—countries with which he has no ties. Ava Benach, Zavvar’s lawyer, expressed deep concern, stating, “I strongly suspect that DHS [the Department of Homeland Security] was shooting first and asking questions later.” She accused authorities of conducting a “shock and awe effort” to round up Iranians in the US.
After the incident, a spokesperson from the Albanese government revealed they were unaware of the US’s intentions to deport Zavvar. They emphasized that any visa application from Zavvar would be considered on its merits but confirmed they had not been contacted by US officials regarding this case.
Zavvar’s arrest has sparked widespread outrage and questions about US immigration policies under the Trump administration. The implications of this case could resonate deeply, affecting not only Zavvar but potentially setting a precedent for future deportations.
As this situation develops, observers are calling for immediate action from both the Albanese government and human rights advocates to prevent an unjust deportation. The international community is watching closely, as this case highlights the complexities and human impacts of US immigration enforcement policies.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation unfolds.
