The Struggle of an Iranian Asylum Seeker in Panama

Democracy Dies in Darkness

Arsalan Saleh Fard, a 25-year-old Iranian asylum seeker, recently found himself dwelling in a world unfamiliar to him. Fleeing persecution from his homeland, he sought refuge in the United States but was instead deported to Panama, a country he had never seen on a map before. His new reality comprises days spent in limbo, sometimes sleeping on a mattress on the floor.

Arsalan Saleh Fard at the shelter where he stays in Panama. PHOTO: Luis Antonio Rojas/For The Washington Post

In the shelter, Arsalan contemplates how far from home he truly is. His story echoes that of many others caught in the web of complex immigration policies. Panama City’s vibrant atmosphere contrasts starkly with the uncertainties Arsalan faces daily. The city, rich in cultural and historical significance, represents both a refuge and a reminder of the relentless journey that brought him there.