Help Bring Freedom and Dignity Back to Mohammadreza and Farzaneh

Dear friends and community members,

We are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your help. Our dear friend Dr. Mohammadreza (Reza) Haghani and his wife, Farzaneh, were unexpectedly taken into ICE custody on July 2, 2025, despite being in lawful immigration status and actively contributing to the United States.

Who is Reza?

Reza came to the U.S. on a student visa and earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Louisville. Thanks to his groundbreaking research in transportation safety and mobility, he was granted a National Interest Waiver (NIW) — an immigration pathway reserved for individuals whose work significantly benefits the country.

Today, he works for a federal contractor supporting the U.S. Department of Transportation, developing advanced systems to improve roadway safety. He also holds a Public Trust Clearance through the Department of Defense — a level of trust not lightly given.

What happened?

After receiving approval for his green card petition (I-140), Reza applied for Adjustment of Status and was issued a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD). His wife, Farzaneh, filed as his dependent and is also legally present in the U.S. However, they both were taken into custody while their immigration paperwork was still being processed. They remain in ICE detention while working to resolve the matter.

Why we’re asking for help:

Reza and Farzaneh urgently need legal representation to clarify their case, request a bond hearing, and return to their lives. Legal expenses are significant, and this situation has placed an immense emotional and financial burden on them — and on all of us who care about them.

Who they are to us:

Reza is not just a brilliant engineer. He is a kind, humble, and thoughtful human being who lifts up everyone around him. He checks in on colleagues when they’re struggling, quietly supports others, and leads with integrity. Farzaneh is equally compassionate, gracious, and beloved by everyone who knows her. Together, they represent the best of what our community stands for.

We are asking for your support in raising $20,000 to cover their legal fees and bond.

No one should face something like this alone — especially not two people who have already given so much.

Thank you for standing with them.

Friends and colleagues of Reza and Farzaneh