WASHINGTON:US authorities arrested two relatives of former Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani following the cancellation of their legal status in the country. This development comes at a time when tension is escalating. It is particularly notable regarding the current war between Iran and its US allies.
Detention and Revocation of Legal Status
As per reports from the State Department, both Afshar and her daughter have been handed over to the custody of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to strip the duo of their lawful permanent resident status. This effectively nullified their green cards.
Afshar has been vocal about supporting Iran’s government and messaging system. Furthermore, her husband has also been prohibited from entering the country.
While there were no other specifics about the operation, it appears as an indication of increased scrutiny on immigrants. The timing is significant. It comes in the context of the 2020 killing of Qassem Soleimani in airstrikes carried out in Baghdad.
Wider Policy Shift and Growing Concerns
In addition, the US State Department reported that similar measures had been taken against Fatemeh Ardeshir Larijani and her husband, Seyed Kalantar Motamedi. Both individuals have been ordered deported. They are no longer allowed to reenter the United States. Fatemeh Ardeshir Larijani is the daughter of prominent Iranian official Ali Larijani, who was reportedly killed in a recent US-Israeli airstrike.
With tensions still high, the Trump administration has been deporting individuals deemed a threat to national security. However, human rights organizations warn of the dangers to freedom of expression. Several such deportees have been released after judicial intervention. Courts cited a lack of due process in those cases.
US detains relatives of Qassem Soleimani after revoking their residency, following increasing tensions and a stricter immigration policy.
