Doctor Loses US Citizenship After 61 Years

Longtime Resident Faces Unexpected Setback....

Siavash Sobhani, a Virginia doctor who has lived in the US since birth, lost his citizenship at 61. The US State Department claimed he shouldn't have been a citizen because his father worked at the Iranian Embassy, according to The Washington Post.

The letter explained that if you're born in the US to parents with diplomatic immunity, like Sobhani, you don't automatically become a US citizen. It pointed out that Sobhani had diplomatic immunity at birth, so he didn't acquire citizenship.

Despite practicing medicine for over 30 years, Sobhani faced this citizenship issue for the first time. The US State Department had consistently reaffirmed his American citizenship during each passport renewal throughout his life.

At 62, Siavash Sobhani, contemplating retirement, had envisioned a year of exploring different countries with his wife, seeking a community to settle in and potentially buy a home.

Now, following the State Department's instructions, Siavash Sobhani has to apply for lawful permanent residence, altering his retirement plans.

Siavash Sobhani shared with The Washington Post that he's already spent over $40,000 on legal fees and is uncertain about when his case might be resolved.

"I'm waiting for an interview, but does that mean I wait another year for an interview? Then another three years for the next step? Then another 10 years before I can travel outside of the country?" Siavash Sobhani expressed these concerns to The Washington Post.

After writing to his Congressional representative and the Virginia Senator seeking help, Siavash Sobhani received support. Gerald Edward Connolly, the representative for Virginia's 11th congressional district, wrote to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Sobhani's behalf.

Siavash Sobhani faces an uncertain future; living safely in Iran is not an option due to his outspoken views against the government. Additionally, he is unsure if he will have a passport in time to attend his son's wedding in Portugal next year.

Siavash Sobhani faces the challenge of being unable to visit his seriously ill father-in-law in Lebanon due to the citizenship issue.

Amidst the "shocking" news, Siavash Sobhani expressed his hope to The Washington Post that his citizenship would be restored within six months.