But the president’s demands come in spite of his administration deporting many asylum seekers back to Iran.
Donald Trump has demanded asylum for Iranian football players. (AP)
“Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed,” he wrote.
“Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The US will take them if you won’t.”
Not all Iranian asylum seekers get the same treatment in the USA.
A report written by Senate Democrats earlier this year discussed the US negotiating with Iran to take back those seeking to flee the regime.
“While distinct from third country deportations, the Administration has shown that in pursuit of its deportation agenda, it is even willing to cut deals with adversarial governments like Iran,” the report read.
“Under secretive arrangements, the Administration has forcibly deported Iranians, including vulnerable individuals such as religious minorities and political dissidents.”
The report claimed the Trump administration had struck a deal with Iran to deport 400 Iranians over the coming months.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke posted images with the footballers on his twitter after they were granted asylum. (Twitter/Tony Burke)
“The Administration has sent at least three plane-loads of Iranians back to Iran, including Christian converts, ethnic minorities and political dissidents who could face persecution or torture,” the report said.
“At least eight people from the first flight begged not to be sent to Iran because they were scared for their lives.”
The administration deported asylum seekers to Iran even after a crackdown on protesters last month that led to the deaths of thousands of dissidents.
According to CNN, 14 Iranians were deported on the flight, but dozens more were not allowed to board because they had been exposed to measles.
The five footballers were granted humanitarian visas overnight. (Twitter/Tony Burke)
Among those not allowed to board were two gay men who faced execution in Iran.
As Trump called for the footballers to be granted asylum, one of his most vocal backers in Congress is copping flak for his comments on Muslims.
“Andy Ogles is a malignant clown and pathological liar who has fabricated his whole life story,” he said.
“Disgusting Islamophobes like you do not belong in Congress or in civilised society.”
Ogles had previously claimed to formerly be an economist and law enforcement officer, both of which were untrue.
The five Iranian footballers are currently under police protection.
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