A determined 35-year-old aspiring student has found his academic dreams halted by the U.S. visa ban on Iranian applicants, despite years of preparation and a recent university acceptance.
For three years, Alireza devoted himself to the process of academic migration, often hearing that it was too late for someone his age. Undeterred, he meticulously completed document translations, secured recommendation letters, submitted applications, and even progressed through the initial visa stages.
Against all odds, he earned a coveted university acceptance, only to find his plans derailed by restrictive U.S. visa policies.
"All the documents I had gathered from day one-all that effort-was in vain and never came to fruition," said Alireza.
The new immigration law blocks his entry solely because he is Iranian, halting not just his academic aspirations but also the life he had spent years building toward. Alireza shared his frustration, stating that continuing his education had been his only goal and that the setback had left him feeling defeated.
"This wasn't just an educational opportunity for me. It was a path to the life I had spent years planning for," he said.
Now exploring alternatives, Alireza is considering universities in Europe, including Germany and the Netherlands. He remains hopeful that the visa restriction might eventually be lifted, allowing him another chance to pursue his dream.
"Right now, because of this law-or rather, this decision-not only me but also my friends who want to go to the U.S. from here are facing problems. They can't go. Even those who came from the U.S. to Iran and now want to return are struggling-they can't go back. Even friends currently in the U.S. who want to visit their families are afraid to come, worried that this law might prevent them from returning. This has created a problem for my friends and others I know," said Alireza.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on June 4 banning entry from 12 nations, including Iran, citing national security concerns. The policy is set to take effect on June 9.
Iranian student's dreams derailed by US visa ban
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
