Marco Rubio orders revocation of green cards for three Iranian-born permanent residents, reports say
Key Takeaways
- It has been reported that Marco Rubio ordered the revocation of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status — commonly called “green cards” — for three Iranian-born residents, who are now in ICE custody awaiting removal.
- The individuals are allegedly relatives of Masoumeh Ebtekar, a former Iranian vice president and a prominent figure in the 1979 U.S. Embassy seizure; the U.S. Department of State has publicly criticized Ebtekar’s role in those events.
- The article says the three obtained LPR status through the Diversity Visa (DV) program; the administration claims their initial admissions should not have been authorized.
- Removal on national security or terrorism-related grounds can be pursued even years after lawful admission; affected immigrants face detention, expedited removal proceedings, and sharply limited relief options.
- If you or a family member are in a similar situation, seek experienced immigration counsel immediately — government allegations of terrorism-related ties substantially narrow legal defenses.
What the report says
It has been reported that Marco Rubio — identified in the article as the Secretary of State — ordered U.S. authorities to revoke the permanent-resident cards of three Iranian nationals: Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi and her son. The three were placed in custody of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and are reportedly awaiting deportation. The La Opinión piece says the administration alleges the three are relatives of Masoumeh Ebtekar, whom the U.S. Department of State has criticized for her role as a spokesperson during the 1979 hostage crisis; those assertions are presented by the State Department in its statement.
Legal basis and process
Under U.S. immigration law, lawful permanent resident status can be challenged after admission if the government believes the person was inadmissible at the time (for example, due to national security concerns) or later becomes removable on terrorism-related grounds. It has been reported that officials contend the three obtained LPR status through the Diversity Visa (DV) program — a lottery program intended to diversify immigrant admissions — and that those admissions should not have been granted. Removal proceedings for alleged ties to terrorism typically trigger detention, expedited hearings in immigration court, and limited avenues for relief; allegations of “terrorism-related” conduct also can bar many forms of relief, including cancellation of removal or asylum in many cases.
Human impact and what this means now
For immigrants and family members, the immediate consequences are stark: detention by ICE, possible near-term deportation, and family separation. For the broader Iranian-American community and other visa holders, the case signals intensified vetting and enforcement, especially for people with alleged ties to groups or individuals the U.S. designates as hostile. Practically, anyone who faces related government action should consult an immigration lawyer right away — legal representation is crucial in removal proceedings though not guaranteed by the government — and collect documentation that may rebut claims of terrorism or inadmissibility. For prospective applicants and long-term residents, this story is a reminder that past admissions can be reexamined and that the political context can affect enforcement priorities.
Source: Original Article