The Story of Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian: A Life in Limbo
In the heart of New Orleans, Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian, an Iranian mother, found solace in her garden—a place filled with vibrant flowers and memories. This serene routine shattered abruptly when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers took her from her home, handcuffed and surrounded by the shock of her family and community. For Kashanian, a woman who has lived in the United States for 47 years, the circumstances of her detention bring to light significant questions about immigration policies and the treatment of long-term residents.
A Journey of Hope and Struggle
Kashanian’s journey began in 1978 when she arrived in the U.S. on a student visa, fleeing a country in turmoil and the repercussions of her father’s support for the U.S.-backed shah of Iran. Her pursuit of asylum was rooted in fear and despair. However, her application was denied. Yet, in a somewhat merciful decision, she was allowed to remain in the U.S. with her husband, Russell Milne, and daughter, Kaitlynn, as long as she maintained regular check-ins with immigration officials.
Milne recounts how Kashanian did not shy away from fulfilling her obligations. Whether checking in during the chaos of Hurricane Katrina from South Carolina or attending required meetings, she adhered to the regulations established by immigration authorities, exhibiting a steadfast commitment to her family and her newfound home.
An Unfolding National Concern
Kashanian’s case is revealing of a more significant trend—other Iranians and long-term residents are also finding themselves caught in the immigration system’s tightening grip. Recent U.S. military strikes on Iran have heightened fears, leading many to believe that ICE has ramped up efforts to round up Iranians, regardless of whether they pose a genuine threat. Ryan Costello, policy director of the National Iranian American Council, articulated this concern, asserting that the indiscriminate targeting of individuals is alarming and raises civil rights issues.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), however, maintains a firm stance, emphasizing their commitment to identifying and detaining individuals they deem as threats—even amid claims of a lack of evidence linking many detainees to terrorism.
The Impact of Policy Changes
The current administration has faced scrutiny over its deportation strategies. The Calvin administration’s attempt to deport hundreds of noncitizens, including Iranians, underscores a troubling trajectory in immigration enforcement. By circumventing diplomatic ties to send individuals to third countries, the government raises ethical questions surrounding the treatment of vulnerable groups.
Statistics indicate a substantial rise in the detention of Iranians, with 1,700 arrests recorded at the Mexican border between October 2021 and November 2024. Additionally, reports indicate that approximately 600 Iranians overstayed their visas in the past year—individuals trying to build lives, yet now facing the specter of deportation.
A Family in Distress
Kashanian’s arrest has left her family grappling with fear and uncertainty. Milne emphasizes that his wife is not a threat; she is a loving mother and grandmother who has contributed positively to her community. Memories of her volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, cooking tutorials shared on YouTube, and being a nurturing figure to neighborhood children stand as testaments to her character.
Their daughter Kaitlynn echoes this sentiment, noting that her mother has always aimed to do "everything right" and fulfill her legal obligations. “Who picks up a grandmother?” Milne challenges, casting doubt on the rationale behind her detention.
Broader Implications for the Iranian Community
Worry permeates the Iranian community in the U.S., especially amid the backdrop of recent geopolitical tensions. Many face the complex reality of residing in a country where their home government’s relationship is fraught with conflict. Khuman cases such as Kashanian’s underscore broader fears regarding potential deportations to countries where individuals risk persecution or worse.
A similar story surfaces with another Iranian resident, identified as S.F., who lived in the U.S. for over two decades. Despite a denied asylum application, he found himself detained on his way to the gym—a stark reminder that compliance with immigration laws does not guarantee security.
S.F.’s circumstances resonate with Kashanian’s, highlighting the dire consequences facing Iranians in light of shifting U.S. immigration policies. The threat of deportation looms large, exacerbated by recent military actions that complicate discussions of safety and human rights.
Perceptions of a Community Under Siege
Kaitlynn worries about her mother’s fate amid these turbulent times. The climate for Iranians in the U.S. has shifted, with increased arrests causing panic within communities that once felt secure. "It’s absolutely concerning," she expresses, as the prospect of her mother facing deportation becomes more palpable.
In the tension-filled air of an evolving immigration landscape, Kashanian’s story serves as a poignant reminder of individual lives caught in political machinations—complex, nuanced, and deserving of compassion. The urgency to understand and advocate for the Kashanian family and others like them is more apparent now than ever, as the intertwining tales of resilience and fear unfold across the fabric of American society.
