A loving husband and father, Mohammad sought refuge with his wife in the United States after being targeted for being a teacher at co-educational learning centers in Afghanistan. Teaching both boys AND girls was his crime. It did not help that he was also part of the Hazara tribe, the most persecuted ethnic group in Afghanistan.

He continued to teach through two bombing attacks - the second of which was intended for him and killed many of his students. After ongoing personal threats and a third bombing, he had no choice but to flee. He entered the USA legally with his wife (although separated at the border) and has continued to follow all legal protocols while seeking asylum. He recently received his work employment authorization (i.e. work permit), confirming his honesty, diligence, and determination to support himself while living a safe life with his wife and new child.

Despite that, this past weekend, under the pretense of a “regular check-in", ICE took him away from his wife and first child, a newborn, and placed him in detention. He thought with honesty and hard work, the USA would provide safe harbor. Instead, he has been placed in detention. This detention was unlawful. He has followed the rules meeting all physical and virtual check-ins. He has continued to trust and adhere to the asylum process. As of last Tuesday, a new law was proposed that would potentially violate the right to due process for him and all asylum seekers.

Now our beloved friend must fight to be released from detention, when he never should have been put there in the first place. All funds raised will go directly towards his bond and/or legal fees. Any unused funds will be donated to the Saratoga Immigration Coalition Emergency Fund to help other people in similar situations. We have a goal of $10,000. Thank you for your support.