And think about how this would actually work in practice, and I’ll use Iranians as an example.
Right now, more than 12,000 Iranian nationals who are here legally on student or work visas are already living in fear because of the Trump Administration’s USCIS processing pause. I recently introduced The Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act (H.R. 8740) with @RepTomSuozzi to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and work authorization to eligible Iranian nationals.
But this new policy is even more extreme. It’s horrifying, actually.
It would impact people applying for green cards, many of whom have been living in the United States LEGALLY for years, building careers, raising American children, and creating full lives here.
That includes thousands of Iranians who studied in the U.S. and are now working as scientists, engineers, researchers, and doctors at top companies and hospitals across this country. I personally know people in these exact circumstances.
An Iranian married to an American citizen, with U.S. citizen children, could be forced to leave the country and process their case from abroad. But there is no U.S. embassy in Iran. And they could be sent back into the hands of a brutal regime in the middle of war and political repression.
Stephen Miller-the architect behind Trump’s mass deportation agenda-has always pushed cruel and extreme policies. But this is beyond the pale. The human cost will be catastrophic for families across this country.
🚨 Trump admin is getting serious.
USCIS just paused OPT work permits for foreign grads from 40+ high-risk countries on the expanded travel ban list.
~1 MILLION applications now stuck in limbo for 4+ months — students paid hundreds (some $1,800 extra for “expedited”) but still can’t legally work despite job offers.
This is the predictable chaos of an executive-created program that puts 400,000+ foreigners into American jobs.
Congress never voted on OPT.
Time to END IT with Rep. Gosar’s H.R. 2315.
American grads first. 🇺🇸
RT + tag your Rep!
@RepGosar
Information on the USCIS pause on immigration for Iranian nationals, and how you can help.
https://t.co/zebUqxR4b3 has useful information, updates, and templates to contact elected officials.
Mr. @SecMullinDHS, as you step into your new position I ask you to provide particular consideration to the status of Iranian students and professionals in the United States who may be at risk of immigration complications due to Presidential Proclamations 10949 and 10998. Many of these individuals fled the Islamic Republic’s because they believe in freedom, democracy, and the values this country stands for. They are also contributing to the United States every day.
They arrived in this country legally, followed the rules, respect this country and its system of law and order and are among the most dedicated and accomplished contributors to American society. I ask that you and your department consider these factors, plus the personal and political risk many of these young people would face if sent back to the criminal regime in Iran.
America’s concerns for its national security and the threat posed by the Islamic regime to the homeland are entirely justified. To that end, my office stands ready to provide you and your colleagues with regime operatives, propaganda agents, and influence networks for investigation and removal from the United States.
Thank you for your consideration.
من دیگه دارم به خرافات رو میارم ، مغزم نمیکشه دیگه واقعا، یه بنده خدایی نیس یه تاروتی چیزی بگیره ببینه این هولد واسه opt کی برداشته میشه 😭🤦🏻♀️ کاسهی صبر که چه عرض کنم، تشت صبرمون دیگه لبریز شد😭😭😭
#USCISPause#LiftTheHold
@NazaninNour I graduated with a PhD in Dec 2025, developing brain-implantable devices to treat neural disorders. I secured a healthcare job—but can’t start due to a USCIS pause affecting my OPT. This delay is putting my career, income, and stability at risk.
#USCISPause
Thank you, @SenMullin, for supporting the Iranian people in their fight for freedom.
Now Iranian students and researchers in the U.S. need your attention. We came here legally to study, build our future, and contribute to innovation in technology, healthcare, and science.
But the hold on USCIS Benefit Applications has left Iranians in uncertainty. Careers are paused, opportunities are lost, and many cannot safely return to Iran.
Please review and lift the hold on USCIS Benefit Applications for Iranian nationals. Protect talent and a shared future that strengthens America.
#LiftTheHold
#USCISpause
@USCIS@DHSgov
USCIS pause on OPT, H-1B/O-1, EB-1/2/3 for Iranian nationals already in the U.S. doesn’t improve security; it sidelines talent America trained. E.g., two of my PhD students, both Iranian, IMO medalists, and outstanding researchers are directly impacted.
#LiftTheHold#USCISPause