US Revokes Green Cards of Iranian Family

US Revokes Green Cards of Iranian Family

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the lawful permanent resident status of family members of Masoumeh Ebtekar, the Iranian official who served as spokeswoman for militants during the Iran hostage crisis.

The affected individuals—Ebtekar’s son, daughter-in-law, and grandson—are currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are facing possible deportation proceedings.

In a statement posted on X, Rubio directly linked the action to Ebtekar’s role in the 1979 crisis, during which 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days after militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

“Masoumeh Ebtekar, also known as ‘Screaming Mary,’ was the spokeswoman for the Islamic terrorists who stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979,” Rubio said, accusing the hostage-takers of subjecting captives to severe abuse.

He disclosed that the family members—identified as Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son—entered the United States through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme during the administration of Barack Obama, receiving visas in 2014 and later obtaining permanent residency in 2016.

Rubio confirmed that their green cards had now been terminated.

READ ALSO:

• 16-Year-Old Alleges Repeated Rape by Pastor During ‘Deliverance’ in Anambra
• Zulum Donates N50m to Family of Slain Army Officer in Borno Attack
• INEC Denies Viral X Claim Alleging Amupitan Endorsed Partisan Post

“This week, I terminated their lawful permanent resident status, and today, Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son are now in ICE custody pending their removal from our country,” he said.

He added that individuals linked to what he described as anti-American actions should not benefit from U.S. residency, stressing that such policies are being reinforced under President Donald Trump.

The move is part of a broader crackdown by the current administration targeting relatives of senior Iranian figures residing in the United States. Rubio recently announced similar measures against individuals connected to slain Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, including his niece, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, as well as the daughter of former Iranian official Ali Larijani. Those individuals have also reportedly been detained by ICE and are facing deportation.

Ebtekar, who later served as Iran’s vice president for women and family affairs, gained international attention for her televised defence of the hostage-takers during the crisis.

Her son, Seyed Eissa Hashemi, had reportedly been living in the Los Angeles area, where he worked as a psychology lecturer prior to his detention.

Immigration experts note that while lawful permanent residency—commonly known as a green card—grants the right to live and work in the United States, it can be revoked under certain conditions, including national security concerns or misrepresentation during the immigration process.

The decision has triggered mixed reactions online and among policy observers. Supporters argue it reflects long-overdue accountability tied to one of the most sensitive episodes in U.S.–Iran relations, while critics question whether family members with no direct involvement in the 1979 events should face punitive measures.

As of the time of reporting, no official response has been issued by the affected family members or the Iranian government.

US Revokes Green Cards of Iranian Family