To The Honorable  Officials of: 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Federal Bureau of Investigation

For decades, the Iranian people have faced systemic repression, including violent crackdowns on peaceful protests related to economic hardship, corruption, and basic human rights. This pattern has continued into recent events, including developments around January 26, which have further intensified concerns among Iranians regarding state violence, suppression, and the treatment of civilians.

Reports from Iranian opposition sources and civil society groups state that tens of thousands of civilians—including figures exceeding 40,000—have been killed over time in connection with protest movements and state repression, with the true number believed to be significantly higher. In addition, international observers have documented:

• The killing of protesters during nationwide demonstrations
• The detention and imprisonment of thousands of civilians
• The use of internet shutdowns and communication blackouts to isolate the population
• Ongoing restrictions on freedom of expression, movement, and basic civil liberties.

Against this backdrop, there is deep concern among Iranians when individuals with close familial ties to politically exposed figures within this system are able to live, work, and thrive in open democratic societies benefiting from freedoms that remain denied to millions inside Iran.

We, the undersigned, call for a formal review of the residency status, background vetting, and security considerations relating to Sara Tashakorinia, in light of her professional involvement in sensitive technology sectors within the United States.

Publicly available information indicates that Sara Tashakorinia has held roles in product innovation, artificial intelligence, and technology strategy—fields that may involve exposure to high-impact systems, data, and infrastructure.

She is identified as the daughter of Akbar Tashakor Nia, a former Tehran municipal official who held senior positions during the administration of Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf. Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf is a senior figure within the Islamic Republic of Iran and has served as Speaker of Parliament since 2020, re-elected in 2024. By virtue of this role, he is a member of the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Economic Coordination Council, placing him within Iran’s central political and security decision-making structures. He is also a former Brigadier General in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and a former Chief of Police.

Given the longstanding geopolitical tensions between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the involvement of state-linked institutions in security and strategic matters, this case raises legitimate public-interest concerns regarding whether appropriate vetting and due diligence procedures have been applied.

Key Concerns 

• Whether comprehensive background checks and vetting procedures were conducted
• Whether familial ties to politically exposed officials were fully disclosed and assessed
• Whether sufficient safeguards exist to address potential conflicts of interest in sensitive technology sectors
• The broader implications for national security, data protection, and institutional integrity

We respectfully call for:

• A formal review of background screening and security vetting procedures applied in this case
• Clear and enforceable policies regarding politically exposed persons (PEPs) and their immediate family members
• Assurance that individuals working in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced technology roles are subject to robust national security safeguards
• Where appropriate, a re-evaluation of residency or work eligibility, in line with U.S. laws and national security considerations

At a time when global security dynamics are increasingly complex, maintaining the integrity of sensitive technological sectors is critical.

Ensuring that appropriate safeguards, transparency, and due diligence are consistently applied is essential to protecting both national security and public trust.

Liana Keshavarz