Iranian Nationals Detained in the US Amid National Security Concerns
Two Iranian individuals, whose green cards were annulled by US officials, are currently in immigration custody and face the risk of deportation. Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter Sarinasadat Hosseiny were taken into custody in Los Angeles by agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as reported by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security. These women are related to Qasem Soleimani, the influential Iranian general who led the Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020.
According to officials, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their lawful permanent resident status due to national security concerns. The State Department also indicated that Ms. Afshar’s spouse has been prohibited from entering the United States. The Department of Homeland Security stated, "If we have reason to believe a green card holder poses a threat to the US, their green card will be revoked." Furthermore, the State Department emphasized that the administration will not permit the country to become a refuge for individuals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.
Ms. Afshar has been accused of disseminating Iranian government propaganda, celebrating assaults on American forces, and showing support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. No similar public accusations have been made against Hosseiny.
Future Proceedings
With their legal residency revoked, both women are now in federal custody and are anticipated to undergo formal removal proceedings. These proceedings generally involve hearings before an immigration judge, where individuals can contest their deportation or seek relief under US immigration law. The results can vary significantly based on the legal arguments made and the evidence backing the government's claims. Federal records indicate that both women are currently held at a detention facility in South Texas.
If an immigration judge rules in favor of the government, they may be deported to Iran. Returning to Iran would expose them to the country's legal system, which enforces strict regulations on public conduct, attire, and social behavior. The enforcement of these laws can lead to various penalties, including corporal punishment such as flogging, depending on how Iranian law is applied in their specific cases.
Hosseiny arrived in the United States on a student visa in 2015 and obtained permanent residency in 2023. Reports indicate that her social media activity showcases her travels across the US and internationally, including visits to Miami, Alaska, and Las Vegas, along with images depicting a luxurious lifestyle, such as private flights and attendance at major public events.
The detentions occur during a period of increased geopolitical tension involving the United States, Iran, and Israel. Attempts to negotiate a ceasefire have stalled due to disagreements over proposals that included reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.