Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Senior Officials of the Government of Iran

This proclamation suspends entry into the United States as immigrants or nonimmigrants for senior officials of the Iranian government and their immediate family members, citing Iran's state sponsorship of terrorism, arbitrary detention of U.S. citizens, and other threatening behaviors. The Secretary of State has sole discretion to identify covered persons and can grant exceptions, while the Secretary of Homeland Security handles entry implementation; the proclamation remains in effect until the Secretary of State determines it is no longer necessary.

Federal Register Open PDF 84 FR 51935

Key directives

Suspend immigrant and nonimmigrant entry of senior Iranian officials and their immediate family members
Secretary of State to identify covered persons in sole discretion
Secretary of State to implement visa-related provisions in consultation with DHS Secretary
Secretary of Homeland Security to implement entry-related provisions in consultation with State
Secretary of State may exempt individuals whose entry serves U.S. interests or law enforcement objectives, with Attorney General recommendation and DHS consultation on admissibility
Proclamation terminates upon Secretary of State determination published in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Entry suspension takes effect upon proclamation

Near term (90d)

Secretary of State to establish identification procedures
Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security to establish implementation procedures

Long term

Proclamation remains indefinitely until Secretary of State terminates it via Federal Register publication

Risks & tensions

Indefinite duration with no sunset creates policy uncertainty
Sole discretion of Secretary of State for identification and termination raises separation of powers concerns
Exception for law enforcement objectives requires interagency coordination that may slow implementation
Potential tension with international visa reciprocity obligations (Sec. 6(a)(i) savings clause suggests awareness of this risk)