The United States has terminated the lawful permanent resident status—commonly known as green cards—of several Iranian nationals linked to the country’s ruling establishment
The United States has terminated the lawful permanent resident status—commonly known as green cards—of several Iranian nationals linked to the country’s ruling establishment, marking a sharp escalation in Washington’s crackdown on individuals accused of promoting or benefiting from the Iranian regime.
According to an official statement from the US State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered the revocation of green cards for individuals tied to what it described as an “infamous Iranian regime propagandist,” triggering arrests and potential deportation proceedings.
At the centre of the action is Seyed Eissa Hashemi, along with his wife and son, who are now in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Hashemi is the son of Masoumeh Ebtekar, a controversial figure internationally known for her role as a spokesperson during the Iran hostage crisis. US authorities have characterised Ebtekar as a leading propagandist during the crisis, which saw 52 American diplomats held hostage for 444 days.
The State Department said the individuals’ residency status was revoked after determining that their presence in the United States was inconsistent with national security interests. Officials stressed that lawful permanent residency is a privilege and can be withdrawn in cases involving links to hostile regimes or activities deemed contrary to US interests.
The move is part of a broader enforcement campaign targeting foreign nationals with familial or ideological ties to Iran’s leadership. In recent weeks, similar actions have been taken against Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, and her daughter, both of whom were detained after their green cards were revoked. Authorities alleged that Afshar had publicly supported Iran’s government while residing in the US.
Additionally, the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani—daughter of a senior Iranian official—and her husband has also been terminated, with both barred from re-entering the United States.
US officials have framed the actions as part of a wider policy shift aimed at preventing individuals linked to adversarial governments from living in the country. “The United States will not allow its immigration system to be exploited by those who support anti-American regimes,” Rubio said in remarks accompanying the decision.
The crackdown comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran and its regional activities, as well as ongoing diplomatic manoeuvres involving Washington and its allies. Analysts say the move signals a more aggressive posture by the US administration, extending beyond sanctions and diplomacy to immigration enforcement targeting elite networks connected to Tehran.
The developments have also sparked debate over the scope of US immigration authority and the balance between national security and individual rights, particularly in cases involving family members of foreign political figures.
With multiple cases now under enforcement action, US authorities have indicated that further reviews of residency status for individuals linked to the Iranian regime could follow, suggesting that the current measures may be part of a larger, sustained campaign.
