A decades-old wound has begun to heal with the revocation of permanent resident status for family members connected to Masoumeh Ebtekar, known as “Screaming Mary.” Ebtekar served as the chillingly vocal spokeswoman for the terrorists who seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979, igniting a 444-day hostage crisis that gripped the nation.
For 52 Americans, those days were a descent into unimaginable horror. They faced relentless beatings, the gnawing pangs of starvation, and the terrifying specter of mock executions, all while Ebtekar’s venomous rhetoric echoed across the globe, fueling anti-American sentiment.
Remarkably, years later, under a previous administration, Ebtekar’s son, Seyed Eissa Hashemi, his wife Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son were granted visas in 2014. They were then awarded lawful permanent resident status in 2016 through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, a pathway that raised serious questions about vetting procedures.
While many American families struggled, Hashemi reportedly enjoyed a comfortable life in California, teaching at a private college. Reports indicated his family maintained strong ties to the Iranian regime, a stark contrast to the suffering inflicted upon American hostages decades prior.
That chapter has now closed. This week, the lawful permanent resident status of Hashemi, Tahmasebi, and their son was terminated. They are currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, awaiting removal from the country.
The decision underscores a firm stance against those connected to acts of terror against the United States. It sends a clear message that America will not offer sanctuary to individuals and families linked to those who have inflicted pain and suffering on its citizens.
This action represents a long-overdue reckoning for the victims of the 1979 hostage crisis and a renewed commitment to protecting national security. It affirms that the privilege of living in America is not to be extended to those who harbor animosity towards its values and its people.
The move signifies a decisive break from past policies and a dedication to ensuring that the nation’s borders are secured against those who seek to undermine its safety and sovereignty. It is a powerful statement about accountability and the enduring pursuit of justice.
