Forced Departure and Loss: My Story After the 1979 Islamic Revolution

The Islamic Revolution of 1979 was a turning point that upended millions of lives, including my own. What began as a movement to overthrow the Shah’s regime quickly spiraled into a radical transformation of Iranian society, replacing a secular monarchy with an authoritarian theocracy under Ayatollah Khomeini. For families like mine, the revolution meant not just the loss of our homeland but also the confiscation of everything we had built.

Confiscation of Assets and Resources

In the chaotic aftermath, the new Islamic government systematically seized property and assets belonging to those associated with the old order and many ordinary citizens. The Bonyad-e Mostazafan(Foundation of the Oppressed) was established to take over assets, empowered by Article 49 of the new constitution, which retroactively justified the confiscation of wealth deemed “illegitimate” by the regime. For my family, this meant our home, business, and savings were all stripped away overnight, leaving us with nothing but memories and uncertainty.

The Impact on Iranian Americans

We were not alone. The revolution triggered a mass exodus, resulting in one of the largest diasporas in recent history. Between 1.2 and 2 million Iranian Americans now live in the United States, many of whom were forced to start over from scratch. The trauma of displacement was compounded by the hostage crisis and the negative stereotypes that followed, making it difficult for Iranian Americans to find acceptance in their new country.

Despite these challenges, the community rebuilt. Iranian Americans became doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and artists, contributing significantly to American society while preserving their rich cultural heritage. The older generation laid the groundwork for their children to thrive, blending Persian and American identities in vibrant enclaves like “Tehrangeles” in Los Angeles.

Hopes for a New Beginning

Today, many in the diaspora watch events in Iran with a mix of hope and anxiety. The potential downfall of the mullahs offers the promise of a return to a freer, more open Iran—one where exiles might reclaim their heritage and rebuild what was lost. The Iranian diaspora remains influential, advocating for democracy and human rights, and serving as a voice for those still silenced inside the country.

For millions of Iranian Americans, the revolution was both an ending and a beginning—a painful rupture that forced us to leave, but also a catalyst for resilience, reinvention, and enduring hope for a better future.

The Iranian Revolution and my time in prison weren’t just personal trials—they were turning points that shaped my understanding of justice, identity, and resilience. In my prison reform book and memoir, Persia, Politics & Prison, I tell the full story: the fall of a homeland, the loss of everything we owned, my experiences in American politics, and the hard lessons learned behind bars in America. While writing this book in prison, I realized it isn’t just a memoir. It’s a window into the lived experience of revolution, exile, and reform. I encourage you to read, share, and use it as a starting point for deeper conversations, not just about prison reform, but also Iranian Americans’ struggles. If you’d like to explore these themes further, contact me today to schedule a speaking engagement and let me bring important dialogue to your organization or community.