An Iranian man had an emotional reunion with his family in the U.S. Thursday. He was initially not allowed to enter the country and was sent back to Iran after President Donald Trump issued the executive order temporarily suspending the visa of immigrants from certain countries.
ABC 7 reported the man was identified as Ali Vayeghan, who had a valid visa and is eligible for citizenship. He arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport last Friday but was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
His family learned of his status and met with the lawyers working with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). They said they were willing to pay just to get Vayeghan to enter the country.
Due to a court action that granted a temporary restaining order of the executive order in Los Angeles, Vayeghan was the only traveler allowed to return to the United States. The ACLU awyers did not charge the family.
On Thursday, Feb. 2, Vayeghan arrived at around 1 p.m. and his family and the local officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, were there to greet him. "This is humanity, this is what human rights looks like and I'm shocked and honored by it," Vayeghan said as per a translator.
Washington Post also reported Vayeghan was welcomed back with California-grown flowers and singers who sang "This Land Is Your Land." Garcetti welcomed Vayeghan by saying United States is his new home.
The Iranian father has not seen his family for 12 years. His son is based in Indiana.
According to the ACLU, people have been interrogated and detained then forced to sign over their visas for self-deportation proceedings. Many of those turned away at the airports have been trying to enter the country to see their loved ones.
Protests have been ongoing nationwide due to Trump's executive order. Do you know anyone who experienced the same as what Vayeghan went through? Let us know in the comments!
