The State Department has revoked the visa of Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi, an Iraqi national and 2022 recipient of the International Woman of Courage award, after she was placed on the FBI's Terror Watchlist.
Al Shakarchi is “no longer present in the United States,” according to State Department Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson on Friday.
Al Shakarchi, a former Iraqi finance minister, was described by the Biden administration in 2022 as a prominent advocate known for combating corruption.
Al Shakarch worked at Iraq’s Ministry of Finance for roughly 36 years, starting as a budget analyst in 1985 and ultimately working her way up to deputy director general of the budget department in 2005. She eventually became the director general of the department.
The International Women of Courage Award typically honors women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advancing peace, justice, and female empowerment.
The revocations have largely involved offenders who allegedly committed crimes, violated the terms of their visas, engaged in immigration or visa fraud, or presented national-security or public-safety concerns.
The administration has simultaneously increased scrutiny of visa applicants and existing visa holders, including expanded security and social-media vetting.
“Under President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suspected terrorists will never be allowed to remain in the United States," Johnson said.
Supporters of the administration's action say that revoking visas protects national security, while opponents argue there is a lack of discretion and due process.