Congressman Veasey Calls on DHS to Immediately Release Iranian Christian Pastor Granted Asylum as Health Deteriorates in Detention

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) is calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expedite the release of Elmira Azizi, an Iranian Christian pastor currently detained at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, after she was granted asylum in the United States. Azizi fled Iran after facing persecution because of her Christian faith. According to her attorneys, she has now been granted asylum, has no criminal record, and remains in federal immigration custody while awaiting DHS to complete the process necessary for her release. Azizi suffers from a life-threatening medical condition which she was able to successfully manage prior to detention. During her detention, Azizi's health has rapidly deteriorated, and her declining health has now left her reliant on a wheelchair. "Elmira came to this country seeking refuge from religious persecution, and the United States granted her asylum. She has no criminal record, and there is no reason for allowing bureaucratic delays to put her life at further risk," said Congressman Veasey. "Elmira has been detained for months without real justification, all the while her health has been rapidly deteriorating. She is now in a wheelchair, and is still not receiving the necessary medical care. "DHS must act with the urgency her condition demands, complete the remaining process, and release Elmira so she can get the life-saving medical treatment she desperately needs." Congressman Veasey's office has previously raised concerns regarding conditions and access to information and services for individuals detained at the Prairieland Detention Center. After several reports of alarming conditions and poor treatment of detainees, Congressman Veasey conducted several oversight inspections and alerted DHS and ICE to the concerns.