Sen. Cruz, Colleagues Introduce Bill Barring Sanctioned Iranian Officials from Entering U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) introduced the Strengthening Entry Visa Enforcement and Restrictions Act of 2025 (SEVER Act), which would prohibit Iranian officials from entering the U.S. as representatives to the United Nations if those Iranian officials have been sanctioned for supporting or being appointed by the Iranian regime's Supreme Leader's Office.

Sen. Cruz said, "The Iranian regime and the corrupt officials who run it are responsible for the murder, injury, and kidnapping of thousands of Americans. The Ayatollah means it when he chants 'Death to America,' and the United States has developed and imposed sanctions to counter the threats posed by him and those directly around him. If you are a crony of the Ayatollah who has been sanctioned by the U.S., it means that you pose a threat to the safety and security of Americans, and you should not be allowed on American soil - let alone to engage in diplomacy at the United Nations General Assembly. I strongly urge my colleagues to advance this legislation and swiftly pass it through both chambers so it can be signed into law."

Sen. Cotton said, "Iran's terrorist regime chants "death to America" and has the blood of thousands of Americans on its hands. The leaders of this evil regime have no business setting foot on U.S. soil."

Sen. Ernst said, "Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism and, not only chants 'death to America,' but has taken American lives. After Biden emboldened and enriched Iran, we cannot allow the regime a foothold in our homeland as they pursue a nuclear weapon. I am working with Senator Cruz to deny Iranian officials visas. The world does not need more of their bad-faith negotiations at the UN General Assembly."

Sen. Scott said, "As President Trump and his administration have taken decisive action to secure our border and protect the American people, the SEVER Act is another critical step in closing dangerous loopholes in our visa and border security system. The United States must never become a safe haven for terrorists or those enabling the Iranian regime's violent and destabilizing agenda. Anyone sanctioned for supporting Iran's threats against America or our allies should be automatically denied entry - we must put our national security first."

Sen. Moody said, "The SEVER Act is straight forward and commonsense legislation. Those associated with the Supreme Leader of Iran, the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism who spreads violence and supports Hamas financially, should not be allowed to enter the United States of America. These individuals represent a regime that is openly oppressive to their own people and pose threats to our national security. I urge my colleagues to take up this legislation immediately."

Companion legislation is being led in the House by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.-24).

Rep. Tenney said, "For decades, the Iranian regime has oppressed its own people, sponsored terrorism worldwide, and threatened the safety of Americans and our allies. President Masoud Pezeshkian, like his predecessors, is part of a regime that funds terrorism, destabilizes the Middle East, brutalizes the Iranian people, and has actively targeted Americans. No government official that is part of this despotic regime should ever be permitted to set foot on American soil to spread propaganda or legitimize tyranny. The SEVER Act will give President Trump the authority to ensure the United States is never a platform for terrorists and tyrants that threaten American citizens. This is about protecting our citizens and reaffirming the America First policies advanced by President Trump."

Read the bill text here.

BACKGROUND

Sen. Cruz has been a leading voice in the Senate against the Iranian regime:

• Cruz introduced an amendment to U.S. Senate Joint Resolution 59 commending President Trump, the United States Armed Forces, and all those involved in Operation Midnight Hammer, which destroyed Iran's nuclear weapons program.
• Cruz issued a statement after the Iranian regime targeted the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.
• Cruz issued a statement following U.S. strikes on Iranian regime nuclear infrastructure.