Representative Yassamin Ansari Introduces 'Artemis Act' Following Iranian Christian Convert's Asylum Grant in Canada
U.S. Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) has welcomed the news that Artemis Ghasemzadeh, an Iranian Christian convert, has been granted asylum in Canada after being deported from the United States. Ghasemzadeh, who fled persecution in Iran, was previously deported to Panama after seeking asylum in the U.S. Ansari introduced the 'Artemis Act' in May 2025, a bill designed to prevent expedited removals for individuals from countries designated by the State Department as having severe violations of religious freedom, with Iran being on that list. The bill aims to ensure due process protections, including access to 'credible fear' interviews and legal counsel, which Ghasemzadeh reportedly was denied before her deportation to Panama. Ghasemzadeh's case gained significant attention from advocacy groups and international organizations, highlighting concerns over U.S. deportation policies. 
