The Trump administration intensified its scrutiny of foreign nationals with ties to regimes considered adversaries, leading to the arrest of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of assassinated IRGC Major General Qasem Soleimani, and her daughter in Los Angeles on Friday.

Escalated Visa Revocations

This action reflects a broader shift towards more aggressive visa revocations for individuals suspected of propagating anti-American sentiment while residing in the United States. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed he personally revoked their legal status, designating Afshar as an 'outspoken supporter' of a terrorist regime.

Details of the Case

Department of Homeland Security records show Afshar entered the U.S. in 2015 and received a green card in 2021. Her recent application for naturalization revealed four trips back to Iran, which authorities argue compromises her 2019 asylum claim.

Allegations Against Hamideh Soleimani Afshar

Secretary Marco Rubio, in a statement posted on X, asserted that Afshar 'celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the ‘Great Satan’' while enjoying a 'luxurious lifestyle' in Los Angeles. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson emphasized that holding a green card is a privilege, and the administration will revoke the legal status of anyone deemed a threat.

Broader National Security Strategy

The State Department reiterated that the U.S. will not be a safe haven for those supporting anti-American terrorist regimes. This action is part of a larger strategy to safeguard national security and uphold American values by monitoring and addressing potential risks.

Further Actions and Custody Status

Afshar and her daughter remain in ICE custody, awaiting formal removal proceedings. This follows the deportation of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, demonstrating a wider initiative to revoke the legal status of individuals connected to the Iranian government. Afshar’s husband has also been officially barred from entering the United States.

The government is committed to using all available resources to protect the nation and its citizens, and these actions are expected to influence the conversation surrounding immigration policy and national security.