Elnigar Iltebir


Elnigar Iltebir is a United States-based Uyghur politician and activist. The Trump administration appointed her as Director for China in the United States National Security Council in August 2019.

Personal life

Elnigar Iltebir was born in Ürümqi, Xinjiang in 1984. In 1992, she moved to Istanbul, Turkey with her family and lived there until she completed her high school education in Kabataş Erkek Lisesi. In February 2000, her family moved to the United States.
Iltebir is the daughter of Ablikim Baqi Iltebir, who is a well-known Uyghur writer and journalist. He worked as a middle school teacher, was the chief editor in "Tengritagh Journal" and vice-president of "Urumchi Art Union" in Urumchi, and worked for Radio Free Asia from February 2000 to August 2017. He died on August 8th, 2019 at the age of 68.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy, International Security and Economic Policy
2009-2015
MPP, International Security and Political Economy
2005-2007
B.A., International Relations
2001-2005