'Who Do You Love? And How Long Have You Ever Gone Without Seeing Them?'

This interview is part of Broadly's Voices Against the Ban series. You can read more of these voices here.

Broadly: Why do you oppose Trump's immigration restrictions?

Arya, 25, Tehran/New York City: I am immigrant from Iran. Trump's words mean further separation, alienation, and a deep longing for a home lost forever.

How do these new restrictions impact you or your family?

I arrived in the USA when I was 16 on a single entry student visa; it took me eight months to get that visa. In 2009, I applied for a political asylum. I have not been able to see my family since I left Iran. And they have not been able to come see me either. After almost a decade, I am unsure if I'll ever get to see them again.

"If I could tell President Trump one thing about these immigration restrictions, I would say…"

Nothing, but silence. Although, deep inside, I have a question, "Who do you love? And how long have you ever gone without seeing them?"

Do you have any additional comments about the new immigration orders?

It's going to be a long hard fight. But we can change this. Look within. And there, together, we are one."Love is an emerald. Its brilliant light wards off dragons. On this treacherous path." ― Rumi, 13th Century Persian Poet.

This interview has been edited and condensed.