To the Honorable Secretary of State and Officials at the Bureau of Consular Affairs,

We, the undersigned students, scholars, educators, and allies, respectfully petition the U.S. Department of State to include F-1 student visas for Iranian nationals in the list of permitted immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories.

As of June 9, 2025, F-1 student visas for Iranian nationals are officially banned from being issued. This policy change directly affects thousands of talented, peaceful, and high-achieving Iranian students who have received admission to U.S. colleges and universities and were preparing to pursue their education in the United States.

For decades, Iranian students have brought enormous value to American campuses and society at large. They have been instrumental in advancing U.S. leadership in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and the arts. Iranian graduates often go on to become professors, innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who contribute to the academic, economic, and cultural fabric of the United States.

Despite strained political relations between the governments of the United States and Iran, American policymakers have consistently emphasized that the Iranian people are not the same as the Iranian government. If that principle is truly held, it must now be reflected in policy. Denying Iranian students the ability to pursue education in the U.S. contradicts the core values of academic freedom, opportunity, and the belief in people-to-people engagement.

We respectfully request the following:

• That F-1 student visas for Iranian nationals be reinstated and included in the list of permitted immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories.
• That all current and future student visa applications from Iranian citizens be reviewed fairly and without political bias.
• That the Department of State provide transparent, timely guidance and communication to students whose education is now in jeopardy.
• That the U.S. affirm through action that it supports the people of Iran — particularly its youth — even in times of political tension.

Young Iranians pursuing higher education abroad are among the most open-minded, reform-driven, and globally connected members of their generation. They are not policymakers; they are future scientists, educators, doctors, and leaders — many of whom admire American values and seek to learn from U.S. institutions.

We urge the Department of State to honor its commitment to fairness and educational openness by restoring access to F-1 visas for Iranian students. Doing so would not only protect individual futures — it would uphold the United States' long-standing reputation as a champion of knowledge, justice, and freedom of thought.