At US competition, Iranian law students 'surprised' by reception
With the visa ban on hold, a moot court competition brought seven Iranian law students to Washington to debate topical issues, sharpen their skills and meet real Americans.
WASHINGTON — For seven young Iranians participating in an international moot court competition April 9-15 in Washington, success consisted of simply getting here.
Even though their team didn’t make it into the finals, the Iranians — five who made arguments, a coach and one former participant who served as a judge — told Al-Monitor they were thrilled just to have gotten visas.
Twice, US courts have stayed efforts by the Donald Trump administration to restrict entrance by nationals of first seven, then six primarily Muslim nations, including Iran. However, the US State Department has continued to process some visas for Iranian athletes and others seeking to travel here for academic and cultural exchanges.
The Iranian law students told Al-Monitor they are gratified by the warm reception they have received.
