The lives of two relatives of the slain Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani were irrevocably altered this weekend with their arrest in Los Angeles. Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, identified as Soleimani’s niece, and her daughter are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, following a decision to revoke their green cards.
The action was initiated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who cited Afshar’s vocal and unwavering support for the Iranian regime. Evidence suggests she actively celebrated attacks on American interests and repeatedly referred to the United States with a deeply hostile label.
According to officials, Afshar’s public statements and online activity – documented on a now-deleted Instagram account – revealed a pattern of promoting Iranian propaganda and praising the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated terrorist organization. This occurred while she enjoyed a comfortable life in Los Angeles.
The revocation of their legal status stems from concerns that Afshar’s initial asylum claim was fraudulent. Investigations revealed multiple trips to Iran after she was granted a green card, directly contradicting the basis of her asylum application.
Afshar initially entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2015, received asylum in 2019, and ultimately became a lawful permanent resident in 2021. Her daughter followed a similar path, arriving on a student visa in 2015, gaining asylum in 2019, and securing a green card in 2023.
This case highlights a firm stance against individuals who allegedly harbor animosity towards the United States while benefiting from its hospitality. Officials emphasized that the privilege of residing in America is contingent upon respect for the country and its values.
Beyond the revocation of their green cards, Afshar’s husband has also been barred from entering the United States. This action signals a broader effort to prevent individuals linked to adversarial regimes from gaining access to the country.
This incident is not isolated. Earlier this month, the legal status of another individual with ties to Iranian officials, Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, and her husband were also terminated, and they have since left the U.S. and are prohibited from returning.
The actions taken represent a clear message: those who actively support entities deemed hostile to the United States will not be permitted to reside within its borders. The focus remains on safeguarding national security and upholding the integrity of the immigration system.
