51�Թ�

We are not using their real names, as they fear doing so would either put their residency in Iran in jeopardy, or risk reprisal from the Taliban government.

Eventually, in February 2011, Gutierrez Saragon found a lifeline in the Immigrants Rights Project, a Los Angeles nonprofit that offers pro bono services for people seeking a path to citizenship or permanent residency.

The government was awarded a so-called "golden share", requiring it to be notified of any major changes to Royal Mail's ownership, headquarters location and tax residency.

Foreign nationals who participate in political protests have also found themselves in the administration's crosshairs, despite some having permanent residency or valid student visas in the US.

What makes it worse, she said, was that she regularly had to return to Germany every few months to maintain her residency status there too.