An Iranian national facing deportation after being arrested by ICE agents in Alabama has entered the spotlight amid growing concerns about immigration policies and their impact on families. Ribvar Karimi, who allegedly served as an Iranian Army sniper between 2018 and 2021, was detained alongside ten other Iranian nationals after President Trump’s recent order for military action against Iran. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that Karimi was in possession of an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card at the time of his arrest.
Karimi came to the U.S. on a K-1 fiancé visa in October 2022, which requires couples to marry within 90 days. His wife, Morgan Karimi, claims they adhered to this timeline, and the couple was scheduled to marry on February 22. Despite these claims, the DHS contends that Karimi failed to adjust his status, suggesting he didn’t apply for a green card or marry in the prescribed timeframe.
Morgan, who is currently 31 weeks pregnant, asserts they followed all legal requirements and has initiated a campaign to raise funds for an immigration attorney to fight for her husband’s release. In her appeals on social media, she emphasizes her husband’s love for the country and their family, sharing their journey from an online gaming connection to preparing for parenthood.
The couple’s experience reflects broader themes in recent immigration news, particularly as ICE intensifies its efforts against undocumented immigrants in the wake of the Trump administration’s directives. The DHS maintains that their priority is to target individuals deemed threats to national security, a stance reiterated by officials defending the increase in arrests.
Morgan’s story, including her efforts to connect with Karimi while he is in custody, highlights the complex emotions surrounding separation caused by immigration enforcement. Her personal narrative and community support shed light on how families can be impacted by policies at a national level.
As the situation progresses, it is a reminder of the human side of immigration enforcement and the importance of legal pathways to secure family unity, especially during challenging times like pregnancy. The couple’s love story, sharing hopes for their future, continues to resonate with the community, inspiring calls for empathy and understanding amidst ongoing immigration debates.