Full Breakdown
U.S. Revokes Residency of Qassem Soleimani's Niece Amid Immigration Crackdown
4/6/2026, 11:52:33 PM
Arrest and Charges
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of the late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, and her daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny, were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles following the revocation of their lawful permanent resident status. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the termination of their green cards, citing Afshar's vocal support for the Iranian regime and her social media posts that celebrated attacks on U.S. military personnel. The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on Iranian nationals with alleged ties to the Iranian government, which the U.S. has designated as a terrorist organization.
Background and Context
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar entered the United States on a tourist visa in June 2015 and was granted asylum in 2019. She became a lawful permanent resident in 2021. However, her recent naturalization application revealed multiple trips back to Iran, which U.S. officials argue invalidates her asylum claim. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that these trips indicate her asylum was fraudulent. Her daughter, Hosseiny, entered the U.S. on a student visa in 2015 and also received asylum and a green card.
Social Media Activity
The U.S. State Department described Afshar as an "outspoken supporter" of Iran's "terrorist regime," noting her social media activity that included praising Iranian military actions and referring to the U.S. as the "Great Satan." Posts on her now-deleted Instagram account showcased a lavish lifestyle, including images of her in attire prohibited in Iran, such as bikinis and racy outfits, alongside celebrations of Iranian military successes. This juxtaposition of her lifestyle and her political rhetoric has drawn significant attention.
Official Statements & Responses
In a statement, Secretary Rubio emphasized, “The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.” He pointed to Afshar's comments and social media activity as justification for her and her daughter's detention. The State Department's actions reflect a growing trend of revoking residency for individuals perceived as threats to U.S. national security.
Criticism & Opposition
Afshar's family has publicly denied any connection to Qassem Soleimani's activities, with her daughter asserting that the claims made by the U.S. government are false. Iranian media reported that Soleimani's family has never lived in the U.S., challenging the narrative presented by U.S. officials. Critics argue that the actions taken against Afshar and her daughter raise questions about free speech rights and the extent to which family members should be penalized for the actions of their relatives.
What's Next
Both women are currently in ICE custody, awaiting immigration hearings that could lead to their deportation from the United States. The broader implications of this case may further strain U.S.-Iran relations, particularly as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate in the region. The U.S. government has indicated that it will continue to scrutinize the residency status of individuals with ties to foreign regimes deemed hostile to American interests.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes,” — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
- “The individuals arrested in the United States have no connection whatsoever to martyr Soleimani, and the claim made by the US State Department is false,” — Narjes Soleimani, Daughter of Qassem Soleimani
