Iranian Christian Convert Granted
Asylum in the United States

We are pleased to report that the ACLJ has successfully represented an Iranian man, Youcef Nadarkhani, who converted from Islam to Christianity and applied for asylum in the United States.

Our client grew up in a Muslim family, but eventually began to question his Islamic faith. Although Islam was instilled in him as the one true religion at a young age, as our client grew older, he became concerned with the strict and rigid application of Islamic doctrine to Iranian society. His discontent with Islam culminated in a vivid dream in which Jesus Christ revealed himself to our client. This dream had a profound impact on our client, that changed his life forever.

After his dream, our client came to the United States in pursuit of an education. After his arrival, our client befriended several Christians who helped spark his interest in Christianity. With encouragement from these friends, he began attending church and Bible studies. These Christian friends were able to mentor and tutor our client, and ultimately helped him take the final step in converting to Christianity.

After his conversion, our client requested the ACLJ’s help in representing him in his asylum case in the United States. Today, we are happy to report that our client has been granted asylum. This decision ensures our client’s safety, in that he will not be forced to return to Iran, where he would almost certainly face persecution on the basis of his Christian faith, like Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and many others who are languishing in Iranian prisons.

This case highlights the fact that religious persecution is a daily occurrence in other countries. Christian converts regularly face not only social exclusion, but also real threats of physical harm. The ACLJ is extremely pleased with the outcome of this case and will continue to fight to protect those who express and exercise their Christian faith.