SMF EMERGENCY ALERT: Shia Muslim Green Card Holders Advised to Avoid International Travel Immediately

EMERGENCY ALERT

Attention: All Green Card Holders

March 18, 2025: Effective immediately, the Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) strongly advises all Shia Muslim U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) to avoid all international travel until further notice.

Background:

Recent alarming developments indicate that green card holders traveling abroad are facing detainment, deportation, and re-entry denials upon returning to the United States.

Documented Cases & Policy Changes:

Detainment and Deportation:

Reports have emerged of lawful permanent residents being detained at U.S. airports upon re-entry. In a recent case, a German national with a green card was detained and subjected to extensive interrogation at Logan Airport in Boston. (The Guardian)

Universities Warning Students & Faculty:

Brown University has issued a travel warning to international students and faculty following an incident where a professor with a green card was denied re-entry into the U.S. and deported. (WSJ)

Policy Changes Increasing Risk:

The current administration is implementing stricter travel bans targeting multiple countries. Green card holders are facing heightened scrutiny, with reports of some losing their legal status upon re-entry. (Boundless)

SMF Travel Advisory & Recommendations:

✔ Do NOT Travel: Cancel or postpone any international travel plans immediately.

✔ Stay Informed: Follow SMF alerts and monitor official U.S. immigration updates.

✔ Seek Legal Advice: If international travel is unavoidable, consult an immigration attorney immediately.

Critical Warning:

• Green card holders who leave the U.S. risk being denied re-entry and could face deportation.

• Authorities are increasingly revoking green cards at U.S. ports of entry.

• Failure to comply with this advisory could result in loss of permanent resident status.

For Further Assistance, Contact SMF:

📧 Email: farhana@shiamuslimfoundation.com

📞 Phone: 240-338-3954

🌐 Website: www.shiamuslimfoundation.com

📍 Office Address: Washington, D.C.

SMF is committed to protecting the rights and safety of the Shia Muslim community and all lawful residents facing unjust immigration policies. We will continue advocating for those impacted by these developments.

Shia Muslim Foundation Calls for Prayers for Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Ishaq Fayadh

WASHINGTON DC - March 12, 2025. The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) extends its heartfelt prayers and well wishes for the swift and complete recovery of Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Ishaq Fayadh, who was recently hospitalized due to a critical health condition. By the grace of God and the prayers of the faithful, his condition has since stabilized, but continued supplications are requested.

Grand Ayatollah Fayadh is a renowned 93-year-old Islamic scholar and one of the most respected religious leaders in Shia Islam. A Grand Ayatollah (or Marja' al-Taqlid, meaning "Source of Emulation") is a senior Islamic scholar whose interpretations of religious law serve as guidance for millions of Shia Muslims worldwide. In Shia Islam, these scholars dedicate their lives to studying theology, jurisprudence, and ethics, and their rulings shape religious practice and everyday life for their followers.

Grand Ayatollah al-Fayadh is one of the few Islamic Shia Ayatollahs who are in favor of women in positions of political leadership. In June 2018 an article was written on a Persian website, which was later translated into English. There the Islamic position of Ayatollah al-Fayadh concerning the position of women in Islamic society was discussed, citing his book 'Jāyegāh Zan dar Nizām Siyāsīyeh Islām' (English title: 'The position of women in the Islamic political system') on that subject. "In response to some jurisprudential questions concerning the role of women in society, he declared it permissible for women to take any of the three following positions: political leader, judge and religious jurisconsult."

The article continues to explain al-Fayadh' opinion concerning women and the different positions they can take in society: "It is irrespective of whether this is a social position like politics or an individual one like being a driver, a pilot, etc. With this reasoning he believes that in all spheres of life, be it social, individual, ideological, freedom of expression, business, financial trading, land cultivation, etc. women and men are completely equal."

Originally from Afghanistan, Grand Ayatollah Fayadh has lived in Najaf, Iraq, for decades, where he has played a key role in shaping modern Shia religious thought. Najaf is home to the Hawza, a prestigious center for Islamic learning, where he has mentored countless students and scholars. He is widely recognized for his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and his advocacy for social justice, education, and the protection of religious minorities. His leadership, wisdom, and scholarly work have made a lasting impact on the global Muslim community.

In times of illness, prayers (du’a) are a fundamental part of Islamic tradition, as believers turn to God for healing and mercy. The Shia Muslim Foundation humbly requests all people of goodwill, to pray for Grand Ayatollah Fayadh’s recovery. His guidance and scholarship are invaluable to the millions who look to him for religious and ethical direction.

As one of the most senior figures in Shia Islam, his presence is not only important to his followers but to the broader interfaith and global community, where he has been a voice for peace and understanding.

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, advocating on social and political issues, and promoting the rights and welfare of Shia Muslims worldwide. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, SMF works to foster understanding and cooperation between religious communities while addressing challenges faced by Shia Muslims.

SMF Engaged with CAIR-Houston at Ramadan Iftar

CAIR Houston community iftar

Houston, TX – March 10, 2025 – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) was represented by Farhana Kassamali, Director of Communications, at a Ramadan Iftar hosted by the Arab American Cultural Community in Houston, Texas. During the gathering, Kassamali met with Rawan Harirah, Board Chair and President of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Houston Chapter, to discuss civil rights advocacy and strengthening community collaboration.

CAIR-Houston is a leading civil rights organization dedicated to defending religious freedoms, combating Islamophobia, and empowering American Muslims through advocacy and policy engagement. Under Harirah’s leadership, the chapter continues to address pressing issues affecting Muslim communities in Texas and beyond.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Farhana Kassamali stated, "Ramadan is a time of unity, reflection, and renewal of our commitment to justice. Meeting with CAIR-Houston leadership during this blessed month reinforces the importance of working together to protect and empower our communities. SMF looks forward to continued collaboration with CAIR-Houston in advancing the rights and well-being of Muslims across the country."

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is dedicated to advocating for the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, addressing social and political challenges, and fostering understanding within the broader Muslim community. SMF works to raise awareness about the persecution of Shia Muslims worldwide, particularly in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, while also engaging in local and national initiatives to protect the rights of American Shias. Through policy advocacy, community engagement, and interfaith collaboration, SMF strives to ensure that Shia voices are heard in public discourse and that their contributions to American society are recognized.

In addition to advocacy, SMF provides direct support to Shia communities by organizing educational programs, leadership development initiatives, and outreach efforts aimed at increasing political participation. The foundation regularly collaborates with government officials, interfaith leaders, and civil rights organizations to address issues such as religious discrimination, immigration CAIR Houston community iftar

Houston, TX – March 10, 2025 – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) was represented by Farhana Kassamali, Director of Communications, at a Ramadan Iftar hosted by the Arab American Cultural Community in Houston, Texas. During the gathering, Kassamali met with Rawan Harirah, Board Chair and President of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Houston Chapter, to discuss civil rights advocacy and strengthening community collaboration.

CAIR-Houston is a leading civil rights organization dedicated to defending religious freedoms, combating Islamophobia, and empowering American Muslims through advocacy and policy engagement. Under Harirah’s leadership, the chapter continues to address pressing issues affecting Muslim communities in Texas and beyond.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Farhana Kassamali stated, "Ramadan is a time of unity, reflection, and renewal of our commitment to justice. Meeting with CAIR-Houston leadership during this blessed month reinforces the importance of working together to protect and empower our communities. SMF looks forward to continued collaboration with CAIR-Houston in advancing the rights and well-being of Muslims across the country."

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is dedicated to advocating for the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, addressing social and political challenges, and fostering understanding within the broader Muslim community. SMF works to raise awareness about the persecution of Shia Muslims worldwide, particularly in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, while also engaging in local and national initiatives to protect the rights of American Shias. Through policy advocacy, community engagement, and interfaith collaboration, SMF strives to ensure that Shia voices are heard in public discourse and that their contributions to American society are recognized.

In addition to advocacy, SMF provides direct support to Shia communities by organizing educational programs, leadership development initiatives, and outreach efforts aimed at increasing political participation. The foundation regularly collaborates with government officials, interfaith leaders, and civil rights organizations to address issues such as religious discrimination, immigration challenges, and security concerns faced by Shia Muslims in the U.S. By fostering strategic partnerships and amplifying the concerns of marginalized Shia communities, SMF continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Muslim civic engagement and advancing social justice initiatives.challenges, and security concerns faced by Shia Muslims in the U.S. By fostering strategic partnerships and amplifying the concerns of marginalized Shia communities, SMF continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Muslim civic engagement and advancing social justice initiatives.