Secretary of State Marco Rubio Revokes Green Cards of Qasem Soleimani’s Relatives
Federal agents have arrested two relatives of the late Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Qasem Soleimani in Los Angeles after Secretary of State Marco Rubio terminated their lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, identified as Soleimani’s niece, and her daughter are currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pending their removal from the United States.
Security Concerns and Support for the Iranian Regime
The decision to revoke the green cards stems from allegations that Afshar has been an outspoken supporter of Iran’s “totalitarian, terrorist” regime. According to the State Department, Afshar used her time in the U.S. To promote Iranian regime propaganda and celebrate attacks against American military facilities and soldiers in the Middle East.
Secretary Rubio highlighted Afshar’s rhetoric on X, noting that she referred to the United States as the “Great Satan” and expressed “unflinching support” for the IRGC, which is a designated terrorist organization. Rubio stated that the Trump administration will not allow the U.S. To become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.
Lavish Lifestyle in Los Angeles
Reports indicate that Afshar and her daughter lived a “lavish lifestyle” while residing in Los Angeles. Despite their legal status as permanent residents, the State Department asserted that they utilized their position to promote propaganda from the Iranian regime. In addition to the arrests of the niece and grandniece, Secretary Rubio confirmed that Afshar’s husband has been barred from entering the United States.
Context: The Legacy of Qasem Soleimani
The actions taken by the State Department tie back to the long-standing tension between the U.S. And the IRGC. Major General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. Airstrike in Baghdad in January 2020 during President Donald Trump’s first term. At the time, U.S. Officials justified the strike as a necessary measure to prevent an imminent attack.
Key Takeaways
- Individuals Detained: Hamideh Soleimani Afshar (niece of Qasem Soleimani) and her daughter (grandniece).
- Action Taken: Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.
- Primary Justification: Promotion of Iranian regime propaganda and celebration of attacks on Americans.
- Current Status: Both women are in ICE custody pending deportation to Iran.
- Additional Measures: Afshar’s husband is now barred from entering the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the green cards of Soleimani’s relatives revoked?
The U.S. Government revoked their status because Hamideh Soleimani Afshar is an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans and praised the IRGC, a designated terrorist organization.
Where were the arrests made?
The arrests took place in Los Angeles, where the two women had been living.
What happens to them now?
They are currently being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are pending removal from the United States.
Were any criminal charges filed?
The State Department has not announced any specific criminal charges against Afshar or her daughter. the action taken was the termination of their legal immigration status.
Worth a look