Advocating for Fair and Secure Visa Policies Amid Iranian Travel Bans

On February 11, 2025, Kameli Law, P.C., in collaboration with the Telegram group IraniansEntry, issued strong recommendations concerning visa policies that may unjustly affect Iranian nationals. These recommendations arise amid increasing concerns related to national security and immigration regulations followed by new executive orders from the U.S. government.

Background: Current Visa Policy Landscape

Recent developments in U.S. visa policy have become increasingly complex. Following the executive order signed on January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump mandated a thorough reassessment of visa programs, particularly concerning foreign nationals from specific countries deemed risky due to their vetting processes. A report expected by March 20, 2025, could outline nations with security screening issues, potentially leading to renewed travel restrictions or outright bans.

Historically, such bans are reminiscent of the Proclamation 9645 enacted in 2017, which prohibited entry from several nations including Iran, due to security threats allegedly associated with these countries. This suspension has severely limited opportunities for Iranian nationals, allowing only limited visa categories to enter the U.S. Nonetheless, Kameli Law emphasizes that it is unjust to punish hardworking Iranian citizens for actions taken by their government.

The Human Impact of Travel Bans

The implications of travel bans are far-reaching and devastating. The previous restrictions led to family separations, curtailing opportunities for skilled immigrants, and inflicting emotional hardships on many individuals. Studies indicate that such policies disproportionately target innocent individuals with no security risks, stunting potential economic contributions from these talented people. Even President Trump has recognized that retaining educated immigrants is crucial for U.S. competitiveness.

A Call for Balanced Approaches in 2025

As members of the Iranian diaspora in the U.S., Kameli Law and its advocates strongly acknowledge the need for national security considerations. However, they reject the idea of blanket bans that ignore the differences between government actions and individual contributions. Kameli Law supports stringent vetting procedures aimed at genuine security concerns but firmly believes that these should not manifest as broad restrictions affecting entire nationalities.

The legal framework provides a route for significant improvements. In previous administrations, lawful Iranian immigration was permitted despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. Rather than outright bans, Kameli Law advocates for improved security measures that allow the U.S. to uphold safety while simultaneously welcoming qualified professionals to enhance society.

Proposed Collaborative Solutions

Under the leadership of attorney Taher Kameli, Kameli Law continues to prioritize policies that differentiate between the actions of a nation’s government and its citizens. Detailed recommendations have been laid out on their website, highlighting the importance of a thoughtful, just approach to immigration and visa policies. The firm believes that a fair policy can achieve national security without inflicting undue harm on innocent individuals.

The call for refined visa policies is clear: rather than imposing broad and sweeping bans, the U.S. should adopt an approach that emphasizes thorough, nuanced screenings while still allowing deserving Iranian nationals to live and work in America. Such an approach honors the principles of fairness and opportunity, echoing the values that the U.S. has long upheld.

For a detailed list of Kameli Law’s recommendations, visit Kameli Law.