In a bicameral effort, U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), alongside U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and House Republican Leadership Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), haveĀ introduced a bill to revoke the visas of immediate family members of terrorists, additionally prohibiting them from obtaining visas in the future.
TheĀ No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act comes after deceased Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimaniās niece and grandniece were found to be legally living in the U.S. on visas for years.
In early Apr. 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the arrest of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter following the termination of their lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, also known as āgreen cards.ā
What Does The Bill Do?
The new bill would establish a permanent stance of inadmissibility, which would obstruct spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews of designated terrorists from receiving visas or immigrating to the United States, according to a press release from Rep. Steubeās office.
āTerrorists and their families should not be allowed to take advantage of our immigration system and live comfortably in the United States,āĀ Rep. Steube argued. āIf you are related to someone who has committed acts of terrorism against Americans, you should not be welcomed into our country.ā
āThe legislation also requires the Secretary of State to revoke any existing visa held by a covered family member within 30 days after determining that the family member is inadmissible,ā effectively ensuring that these individuals cannot gain entry into or remain in the U.S.
āTheĀ No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families ActĀ puts Americans' safety first and closes this dangerous loophole,ā Congressman Steube affirmed.
Current U.S. immigration law does not automatically bar designated terroristsā relatives from receiving tourist, student, or work visas.
Floridaās current Gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Byron Donalds, has also co-sponsored the legislation.
