To: December 29, 2017
President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Trump:
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your family, your staff and the great nation of the United States of America!
My name is Amir Ganchi, a retired, board certified in General and Pediatric Surgery, founder and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Iranian American Medical Association (IAMA). This organization was founded in 1993 and is a non-profit, non-religious, non-political but charitable, humanitarian, educational and cultural organization. IAMA has chapters in various states in the United States. Our new website address is www.iama.org and is currently under re-construction. Part of our activities is dedicated to our young generation, helping them to achieve their career goals and to help them financially if needed.
As a U.S. Citizen, and a native of Iran who was able to immigrate to the United States as a young physician, I was able to experience the American dream of living in this wonderful country and using my educational and medical training for the benefit of my fellow American citizens. As a practicing General and Pediatric surgeon, I have been able to help countless needy and sick citizens of the United States, which I have found to be greatly rewarding and my life’s work.
There are many Iranian citizens, young physicians living here and in Iran who are not terrorists, have no animosity to the United States but rather are supportive of the United States people and Government and are eager to achieve the happiness of freedom of the American life. These individuals with their expertise, knowledge and abilities would be a great asset to the medical field and the citizens of our country.
Recently, these groups have been confronted with many difficult situations to obtain visas because Iran is placed among the few other countries designated as terrorists. I am sure you know that Iran has more than 2,500-year history of civilization and the King of Iran, Cyrus the Great, made the first human rights speech after releasing the Jews from the Babylonia prison. He told them you are free to stay here, go anywhere you want, practice your religion and do business as you wish. Also, according to UNESCO, the first University in the world was established in Iran 1,750 years ago named Gondishapur or Jondishapur. These young well-educated generation are the children of those ancestors. Dear President, they cannot be and will not be terrorists.
Currently, there are thousands of Iranians who are now citizens of the United States who are contributing substantially to the American fabric of life. These are well-educated individuals who are enhancing the U.S. culture. The contributions of Iranians in science, economy, culture, art and education are very well documented. Attached please find a list of a few examples of Iranian entrepreneurs in different fields of business, science, NASA, etc. in the United States.
As an American citizen, I understand your objection to the Iranian government, but I believe that the well-educated citizens of Iran and here who would contribute and be a valuable addition to the American economy and community should not be penalized and refused visa and entry in our country.
Our young generation in Iran and here who have fulfilled all scientific requirements to start their higher education in the United States are unable to come to the land of opportunity as we did due to the “travel ban”. Again, they are not terrorists but bringing with themselves plenty of knowledge and excitement to serve the wonderful people of the United States.
At present time, there are more than 5,500 physicians practicing or holding high academic positions in the United States. If you add the Iranian dentists, pharmacists, Ph.D.’s, nurses, podiatrists, chiropractors, etc you realize a great number of highly educated people in health care are serving this country. The enthusiastic, young graduates in those fields should be given the opportunity to serve our great nation, too.
I would be happy to appear in person or answer any questions if you or your staff may have with regards to this matter. Please exempt Iranians in high education or skills here and in Iran to enter the United States after successfully passing the required scientific exams and vetting processes of our country.
Best regards and respect
Amir Ganchi, MD
IAMA, Founder
Board of Trustees, Chairman
