I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of a friend who is currently facing significant financial hardship. For privacy reasons, she has chosen to remain anonymous. I know personally how hard she has worked for her education and future, and how difficult this situation has been for her. 

This is a message from her:

The adjudication of immigration benefits for many individuals from travel ban countries who are lawfully present in the United States remains paused or significantly delayed pursuant to USCIS policy since late 2025. As a result, thousands of Iranian nationals continue to face uncertainty about their ability to maintain lawful status, continue working, pursue their education, reunite with family members, and plan for their futures. I graduated from my fully funded masters in May 2026, having worked hard to complete my degree and prepare to begin my professional career. However, because of the uncertainty and delays surrounding my immigration status and related employment authorization, I have been unable to begin working after graduation as I had planned.  In order to be able to stay in the U.S. legally on a student visa I had to start a new masters program which is not funded. I am raising funds to help cover essential living expenses, including housing costs, basic utilities, food, transit, connectivity, health coverage, personal upkeep, liabilities, and unforeseen outlays. Such assistance offers crucial space to handle immediate obligations, aiming for financial independence, recovery, and complete self-reliance.

If you are unable to contribute, simply sharing this fundraiser would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your kindness, caring and understanding.