Trump appoints Texas attorney Mora Namdar as Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Consular Affairs

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has appointed Mora Namdar, a Texas attorney and former Project 2025 author, as the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Consular Affairs. 

In this State Department role, she will manage critical functions including approval of visas, the issuance of passports, and the general welfare of US citizens living or traveling abroad.

Mora Namdar transitions from legal practice to leadership

The 38-year-old official, whose parents immigrated from Iran, has been promoted to this leadership role after previously focusing on Middle Eastern and North African foreign policy.

Her appointment marks a significant shift in how the State Department may handle entry into the US, as the position holds immense influence over who is granted legal access to the country.

Before her rise in the political landscape, Namdar balanced a legal career with private enterprise, having founded Namdar Law and a Texas-based salon franchise known as Bam Beauty Bar.

According to her official State Department biography, “Before rejoining government service, Ms. Namdar founded and ran a successful law practice, worked for a Fortune 500 company, and created and ran several successful businesses.”

Mora Namdar emphasizes strict enforcement of visa laws

Namdar’s new position gives her the authority to decide the fates of migrant visa applicants, including those who have been vocal critics of the current administration.

During her October testimony before a Senate committee, she emphasized her commitment to a strict application of visa laws and the immediate removal of privileges for those who fail to comply. 

In her testimony before a Senate committee, she made her position clear: “I remain steadfast in supporting our operations at home and abroad to ensure that the privilege of a US visa is granted only to those who meet the qualifications, that visa holders adhere to the terms of their visas, and that individuals who violate these terms or disregard US laws will lose the privilege of holding a US visa."

Mora Namdar supports the vision of Marco Rubio

Namdar’s tenure appears closely aligned with the foreign policy priorities of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, particularly regarding the vetting of individuals who voice opposition to US interests or allies.

Her testimony suggested that political advocacy deemed harmful to American foreign policy, such as certain types of pro-Palestinian activism, could be grounds for visa denial or revocation. Aligning herself with Rubio's vision, she noted, “It is essential that our consular officers are equipped with the resources and support necessary to perform their duties effectively.” 

She further reinforced this by quoting Rubio directly, “As Secretary Rubio has emphasized, ‘Consular officers have the responsibility to ensure that visas are issued only to individuals who meet the criteria and do not pose a threat to U.S. interests. If someone violates the terms of their visa or engages in activities that undermine our foreign policy, consular officers have the authority to revoke their visa.’”