U.S. revokes Green Cards of Iranians linked to ‘Terror Regime,’ orders arrests

The United States government has revoked the residency status of several foreign nationals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in a sweeping move aimed at tightening national security.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Friday, confirming that the lawful permanent resident status of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, niece of slain Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and her daughter had been terminated.

According to the State Department, both individuals were subsequently arrested by federal agents and are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“Last night, the niece and grand niece of Qasem Soleimani were arrested… following… termination of their lawful permanent resident status,” the department said.

The U.S. government accused Afshar of openly supporting Iran’s regime while residing in the United States, alleging that she used social media to promote propaganda and praise attacks on American military interests.

“While living in the United States, she promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against American soldiers… and voiced her unflinching support for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps,” the statement added.

Authorities also confirmed that Afshar’s husband has been barred from entering the U.S.

In a related move, the State Department said it had earlier revoked the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of a senior Iranian official, and her husband, both of whom are no longer in the country.

The U.S. government reiterated its stance against individuals with ties to organisations it designates as terrorist groups, stressing that national security remains a top priority.

“The United States will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes,” the statement said.

The development underscores Washington’s continued hardline approach toward individuals linked to Iran’s security establishment, particularly the IRGC, which the U.S. has designated a terrorist organisation.