Community of Iranian Students and Scholars
Statement to the White House and the U.S. Department of State
Regarding the Impact of Recent Visa Restrictions on Iranian Students and Scholars
Date: June 25, 2025

To the Honorable Officials of the White House and the U.S. Department of State,

We, the undersigned members of the Iranian academic community, respectfully submit this statement to convey our profound concerns regarding the recent implementation of visa restrictions affecting Iranian students and scholars. While we recognize the imperative of safeguarding national security, we believe that these measures, as currently applied, have had unintended and disproportionate consequences for individuals whose sole purpose in coming to the United States is academic, scientific, and intellectual contribution.

For decades, Iranian students and scholars have been vital contributors to American higher education and research. Each year, thousands of highly qualified individuals from Iran compete in rigorous, merit-based selection processes for admission to top U.S. universities and research institutions. Many of us have been offered fully funded positions after exhaustive vetting, interviews, and security clearances. Under the new directive, however, we face the risk of categorical exclusion based solely on our nationality—regardless of individual background, academic merit, or demonstrated intent.

Several distinct groups within our community are particularly affected by these measures:

• Students and scholars in the final stages of visa processing, including those who have completed extended administrative review and security clearance, now face abrupt visa denials, putting their academic futures at risk just weeks before their programs begin.
• Prospective students, whether they have already scheduled visa interviews or are in the process of preparing for upcoming academic terms (Fall or Spring), now face probable disqualification based exclusively on national origin, irrespective of qualifications or lawful intent.
• Spouses and dependents (F-2/J-2 visa applicants) of current students and scholars have also been denied entry under the new policy. This forced separation of families is not only emotionally and psychologically harmful but also undermines the academic performance and mental health of students currently residing in the U.S.

In light of these impacts, we respectfully urge the Administration to grant a categorical exemption for academic and scholarly visa classifications—including F-1, J-1, and their dependents (F-2 and J-2)—from the scope of the recent restrictions. Applicants in these categories undergo stringent vetting and have consistently demonstrated a commitment to nonviolence, academic excellence, and international cooperation. Their endeavors—pursuing higher education or conducting research—align directly with U.S. strategic interests: fostering innovation, advancing scientific discovery, and strengthening global academic partnerships.

We wish to emphasize that we are not security threats. We are students, researchers, engineers, physicians, and future educators who have dedicated years of effort to gain admission into U.S. institutions. The United States has long benefited from the talents and perspectives of Iranian academics, just as we have been enriched by the intellectual freedoms and opportunities offered by American institutions.

The Iranian-American community has already made enduring contributions to U.S. science and technology. Visionaries such as Dr. Firouz Naderi, a key figure at NASA, and Dr. Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman awarded the Fields Medal in mathematics, exemplify the profound impact Iranian scholars have had on America's global leadership in innovation.

In conclusion, and in the spirit of equity, academic freedom, and mutual advancement, we respectfully call upon the Administration to fully exempt academic visa categories—including F-1, J-1, F-2, and J-2—from the recent visa restrictions. Such a measure is not merely an administrative adjustment; it is a reaffirmation of America’s commitment to global education, scientific cooperation, and principled leadership. A categorical exemption is both warranted and urgently necessary.

Respectfully,
Community of Iranian Students and Scholars