Overview
- Namdar was sworn in this week as assistant secretary for the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, which oversees visas, passports and services for U.S. citizens abroad.
- She previously led Middle East and North Africa policy at the State Department from May 19 through December 1 before her elevation.
- In October testimony to the Senate, she said every visa adjudication affects national security and cited Secretary Marco Rubio in affirming consular authority to revoke visas for actions that undermine U.S. interests.
- Coverage indicates her statements suggest alignment with Rubio’s position that pro‑Palestinian advocacy and criticism of Israel could be treated as grounds for visa denial or revocation.
- Reporting links that rationale to recent arrests and deportation attempts involving legal migrants over such advocacy, including instances where no criminal charges were filed.