October 2, 2025 | Endorsements
H.R.5495, the SEVER Act
October 2, 2025 Endorsements
H.R.5495, the SEVER Act
Bottom Line Up Front
The SEVER Act (H.R. 5495) would bar entry to the United States, including for U.N. representation, for Iranian regime officials sanctioned under Executive Order 13876, which targets the Supreme Leader’s inner circle. This closes a lingering visa gap and aligns U.S. entry policy with existing Iran sanctions.
Why It Matters
- Closes the U.N. travel loophole: Codifies denial of visas for sanctioned Iranian officials so they can’t use U.N. events in New York as a platform.
- Aligns entry rules with sanctions: EO 13876 targets the Supreme Leader’s Office; this bill ensures those designees are ineligible to enter the U.S. consistently.
- Strengthens deterrence and credibility: Signals that U.S. sanctions carry real consequences—no access to U.S. soil for regime insiders.
- Clear, targeted policy: Focuses on officials tied to the Supreme Leader’s Office, not ordinary Iranian citizens, reinforcing pressure on the regime’s decision-makers.
FDD Expert Analysis
“The Supreme Leader’s lieutenants shouldn’t get U.S. visas while they bankroll terror and repression. SEVER makes that common sense the law. This bill aligns our visa policy with our sanctions—no exceptions, including for U.N. junkets.”
Fast Facts
Bill #: H.R.5495 / S.2893
Title: Strengthening Entry Visa Enforcement and Restrictions Act (SEVER Act)
Summary: Bars entry to the United States, including for U.N. representation, for Iranian regime officials sanctioned under Executive Order 13876, which targets the Supreme Leader’s inner circle.
Chamber: Bicameral
Sponsor(s): Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Date Introduced: 09/19/2025
Read More: Click here for full bill text and cosponsor list., https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5495?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22h.r.5495%22%7D&s=1&r=1, _blank