Dozens of Iranian American demonstrators gathered outside Emory University in a silent protest against the employment of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of a prominent Iranian government official, at the university's Winship Cancer Institute. The protesters held signs expressing their opposition, such as "Enemy of the USA welcomed by Emory." Their silent demonstration was a deliberate choice to show respect for patients and to contrast with the violence faced by protesters in Iran.
Ardeshir-Larijani, a cancer doctor, is the daughter of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. She received a green card in 2021 during the Biden administration. Her presence and employment in the U.S. have drawn scrutiny, with the White House investigating immigration benefits for relatives of top Iranian officials granted under previous administrations. A Change.org petition calling for her deportation has garnered over 54,000 signatures.
Protesters highlighted what they perceive as hypocrisy, where Iranian leadership often criticizes the U.S. while sending their children for education and careers there. They pointed out the difficulties faced by ordinary, qualified Iranian students and scientists in obtaining U.S. visas, contrasting this with the seemingly easier path for children of Iranian officials. Emory University had not immediately responded to the protest.