An Iranian bicyclist, Reza Balouche, who has been touring the world on a peace mission, has been granted asylum in the United States after being arrested for entering illegally from Mexico on his bicycle. Before Border Patrol Agents in Arizona arrested him, he had ridden 46,000 miles through 54 countries on six continents. He was on peace mission around the world, which he planned to end at Ground Zero in New York City. Balouche had been waiting in Mexico for a visa to enter but inadvertently entered the United States while cycling near the border. He was sleeping in a tent and did not know he was in the U.S. until a Border Patrol helicopter came down to get him. He was arrested on November 10, 2002 and detained at Florence, Arizona.

Balouche, 30 years old, says that he pedaled up to 180 miles a day. Articles published in newspapers from South Africa to South America support the story of his mission. He also has a binder with photographs that show interesting details of his trip. Balouche faced numerous obstacles including traveling in all kinds of weather, earning money and applying for foreign visas. When he ran out of money he found work or was taken in by new friends. Further, Balouche applied and received visa to enter the countries he rode through. Many countries gave him peace medals. The Border Patrol arrested him near San Luis. Balouche could not pay the $5,000 bond so he was in detention until his plea was heard. Victoria Lopez, staff attorney with the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project said, “Even being incarcerated, he has this sort of attitude: ‘I’m not really in jail; I’m a free person.’” He ran laps during the whole two hours he received in the recreation yard. An INS officer said, “He runs fast. And he never stops. It makes me sick the shape he’s in.”