Help cancer researcher continue his work

M. is a bioengineer whose research focuses on building new and improved tools to detect cancer cells. After fleeing Iran due to religious and political persecution, he came to the United States to further his research and make a life here. Due to the long delays affecting his visa, he needs support to survive until he is able to continue his work. 

In 2018, M. (name withheld for his safety) was forced to leave his home country of Iran and everyone and everything he knew there. His life came under threat from the government because of his religious beliefs and political expression, and he had to flee. 

M.’s research took him to the United States, where he qualified for a National Interest Waiver–a type of visa  for people whose work is important to the health and safety of the country. Despite being approved for this visa, M. learned that it would be over a year before it could be awarded. M. has also applied for political asylum due to his fear of the severe harm and danger that awaits him in Iran, but it will be approximately 6 months before his asylum application qualifies him for a work permit. M. has been left with no source of income while he waits for his immigration processes to move forward.

We are asking for help from our community to support M. while he waits to qualify for his work permit. Funds from this fundraiser will go towards paying for survival needs (rent, utilities, food, clothes). Anything raised in excess of the goal will go towards paying his attorneys fees, which total over $12,500 for the visa and asylum processes combined. 

Please help M. stay in the United States so that he can continue his vital work in cancer research, and so that he can thrive in a safe and welcoming place, the way we all deserve!

This fundraiser is being managed by the Western Mass Asylum Support Network, a grassroots mutual aid network supporting people navigating asylum cases in Western MA. We are a fiscally sponsored project of the Peace Development Fund.