US Removes Residency from Niece of Deceased Iranian General Soleimani

US Revokes Permanent Residency of Two Women Related to Qassem Soleimani

The US Department of State has announced that it has revoked the permanent residency of two women related to Qassem Soleimani, a former major general in Iran’s Quds Force. Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were arrested on Friday night and are currently being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to a statement released by the State Department, Soleimani Afshar is described as an “outspoken supporter” of Iran. The department cited media reports and social media posts as evidence of her views.

The decision comes at a time when tensions between the US and Iran are high, following the recent escalation of hostilities in the region. The US has also revoked the permanent residency of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of Ali Larijani, a former head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Ardeshir-Larijani had worked in oncology at Emory University School of Medicine in Georgia before her residency was revoked. An online petition calling for her deportation gained over 157,000 signatures after Iran initiated a crackdown on antigovernment protesters.

The State Department stated that the decision to revoke the women’s residency was made under US President Donald Trump’s administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took credit for the decision, citing Soleimani Afshar’s comments as the reason for her arrest.

Soleimani Afshar’s husband is also barred from entering the US as part of the decision. The move has sparked controversy, with some far-right influencers and activists praising the action.

The case raises questions about the limits of free speech rights in the US and the extent to which family members should be punished for their relations.

Source: Al Jazeera