Full Breakdown
U.S. Revokes Green Cards of Iranian Nationals Linked to "Screaming Mary"
4/11/2026, 9:42:47 PM
Revocation of Residency Status
The U.S. State Department announced the termination of green cards for Seyed Eissa Hashemi, his wife Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son, all of whom are connected to Masoumeh Ebtekar, known as "Screaming Mary." Ebtekar was a prominent figure during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, serving as the spokesperson for the Iranian students who stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, resulting in the captivity of 52 Americans for 444 days. The family, who entered the U.S. on a visa issued in 2014 and gained lawful permanent resident status in 2016 through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, is now detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pending deportation.
Background on Masoumeh Ebtekar
Masoumeh Ebtekar gained notoriety as the English-language spokesperson for the Iranian regime during the hostage crisis, where she justified the actions of the captors and criticized the United States. Following the crisis, she ascended in Iranian politics, serving as vice president for women and family affairs from 2017 to 2021 and leading the country's Department of Environment twice. Her family’s ties to the Iranian government have drawn scrutiny, leading to the recent revocation of their residency status.
Official Statements & Responses
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “Her family should never have been allowed to benefit from the extraordinary privilege of living in our country,” emphasizing that the U.S. will not become a refuge for individuals associated with anti-American activities. This sentiment reflects a broader policy stance under the Trump administration, which has focused on restricting immigration from individuals linked to perceived threats against the U.S.
Criticism & Opposition
The decision to revoke the residency status of Hashemi and his family has been met with criticism from various quarters. Some argue that the actions represent a broader trend of targeting individuals based on familial connections rather than personal conduct. Critics contend that such policies may undermine the principles of due process and fairness in immigration proceedings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the State Department has confirmed the detention of Hashemi's family, reports regarding the legal status of other Iranian nationals, such as Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter, indicate a pattern of similar actions against individuals with ties to the Iranian regime. However, details regarding the specific legal processes leading to these deportations remain unclear.
What's Next
The situation unfolds amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to address regional conflicts. Vice President JD Vance is currently leading negotiations in Pakistan aimed at stabilizing relations and addressing issues such as the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for oil shipments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “America can never become home for anti-American terrorists or their families — and under the Trump Administration, it never will.” — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
- “In 2014, the Obama Administration granted visas to her son and his family to enter the United States.” — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
