Iran, So Far Away

A sad story of what American communities can lose by strict enforcement of immigration laws here. An family from Iran—the artist father feared persecution for cartoons critical of the regime there—with deep roots and many contributions to Austin, Texas', artistic community are being booted from the country after their asylum appeal was denied. It may or may not have to do with post-9/11 fears of Middle Easterners. It will definitely hurt the six-member family and the arts community of Austin, with no discernable benefit.