Trump Administration Revokes Visas and Green Cards of Iranian Nationals

The Trump administration has revoked the green cards or U.S. visas of multiple Iranian nationals linked to the Iranian government. These actions, taken under the direction of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stem from concerns over the individuals’ support for the Iranian regime and alleged anti-American activities.

Targeting Individuals with Iranian Government Ties

The administration has taken significant steps to revoke the legal status of Iranian nationals within the United States, focusing on individuals with connections to the current or former Iranian government. This includes revoking both green cards and visas, demonstrating the administration’s firm stance against those perceived as supportive of Iran.

Following Restrictions on Diplomats and UN Staff

These recent measures build upon a pattern of restrictions implemented in late 2023, initially targeting Iranian diplomats and staff at Iran’s mission to the United Nations. The Department of State cited national security concerns and alleged support for anti-American activities as justification for these actions.

Detention and Potential Deportation

Revocation of legal status often leads to detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and subsequent deportation. This has been the case for several Iranian nationals affected by these measures.

Specific Cases of Visa and Green Card Revocations

Recent cases include Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike in 2020, and her daughter. Their green cards were revoked, resulting in their detention by ICE. The State Department stated Afshar and her daughter were living a 'lavish lifestyle' in Los Angeles while publicly supporting the Iranian government and criticizing the United States.

Secretary Rubio, in a post on X, described Afshar as an “outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime” who celebrated attacks on Americans. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to preventing the U.S. from becoming a safe haven for those backing “anti-American terrorist regimes.”

Additionally, the visa of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, an academic and the daughter of Iran’s former national security advisor, and her husband Seyed Kalantar Motamedi, were also revoked. They are no longer present in the United States.

Earlier Actions Against Iranian Diplomats

Prior to these events, in early December, the State Department revoked or declined to renew the visas of numerous Iranian diplomats, including the deputy ambassador, and staff at Iran's mission to the United Nations. The department stated the action was taken on December 4, but declined to provide further comment, citing privacy and security concerns.

The State Department emphasized that this earlier move was unrelated to the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran or the conflict in Ukraine. These actions collectively represent a comprehensive approach by the U.S. government to manage its relationship with Iran and mitigate perceived risks.