The U.S. government has revoked the permanent residency status of certain individuals linked to the Iranian regime, including relatives of the late General Qasem Soleimani. This action, confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reflects ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
According to the U.S. State Department, federal agents detained Soleimani’s niece, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, along with her daughter after their legal permanent resident status was annulled. They are currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The State Department alleges that Afshar has openly supported the Iranian government, disseminating propaganda, endorsing attacks on U.S. military personnel in the Middle East, and backing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization. Additionally, Afshar’s husband has been barred from entering the United States.
In a related case, the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of former Iranian National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, and her husband has also been revoked. Both individuals have since left the U.S. and are prohibited from re-entering.
The statement from the State Department emphasized the administration’s commitment to preventing the U.S. from becoming a refuge for foreigners who support “anti-American terrorist regimes.” This move aligns with previous actions taken during the Trump administration, which had aimed to tighten immigration policies regarding individuals from specific countries.
Recent reports indicate that the Trump administration is finalizing a new travel ban targeting citizens from certain nations, as reported by The New York Times. This ban is expected to be broader than the previous restrictions implemented during Trump’s first term.
Sources suggest the creation of a “red list” of countries whose citizens may face entry bans to the U.S. The countries currently under consideration include Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, with Afghanistan potentially being added to this list. There are indications that travel restrictions may soon be imposed on citizens from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Additionally, a “yellow list” may be established, granting countries a 60-day period to rectify identified deficiencies, such as failing to provide the U.S. with traveler information. If these issues remain unaddressed, those countries could be moved to the “red” or “orange” lists, which would entail stricter entry requirements.
It remains unclear whether these new restrictions will apply to individuals holding existing visas or green cards that were previously granted.
The travel ban initiated by Trump during his first term was lifted by his successor, President Joe Biden, shortly after taking office.
U.S. and Israeli military operations targeting Iran began on February 28, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian forces have conducted missile and drone attacks not only against Israel and U.S. military installations in the region but also against neighboring countries viewed as U.S. allies.
On March 8, Iranian state media reported the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the new supreme leader of Iran.
The assassination of Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad in 2020 by a U.S. drone strike significantly escalated tensions in the region. Following his death, Iranian-aligned groups launched multiple attacks on U.S. military bases, and Tehran has since refused to comply with restrictions outlined in the nuclear agreement aimed at overseeing its nuclear program.
The IRGC wields considerable influence over Iran’s political and economic landscape. Although it is formally part of the military, it operates its own forces, including air and naval units, and reports directly to the country’s religious leader rather than the president. The U.S. has classified the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
The U.S. has revoked the permanent residency status of individuals linked to the Iranian regime, including relatives of General Qasem Soleimani. This action underscores the ongoing tensions and the U.S. government's commitment to preventing entry for those associated with anti-American activities.