Mora Namdar, a Dallas attorney and entrepreneur, has recently been confirmed by the Senate and stepped into the role of Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. Namdar had already served in the Bureau of Consular Affairs on an acting basis during Trump's first term and returned to the State Department to oversee policies related to visas, passports, and the assistance of Americans abroad. Her confirmation ties into President Trump’s broader agenda on immigration and national security, according to a Dallas News report.
In her confirmation testimony, Namdar emphasized the idea that visa decisions should be seen as a matter of national security. She declared that consular officers need the authority to deny or revoke visas when necessary to support U.S. policies. "I will ensure that your inquiries are met with transparency, responsiveness, and a spirit of shared service to the American people," she said in a statement obtained by Dallas News. Previously, Namdar held roles at the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, where she was involved in U.S. policy pertaining to the Middle East and North Africa.
Prior to her career at the State Department, Namdar was an active player in private sector ventures. She founded a law practice and a beauty bar chain called BAM, with locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano, as noted in a profile by Dallas News. Her education spans a law degree and a master’s degree in international affairs from American University, and undergraduate degrees from SMU, with additional studies at Oxford University.
In a description provided by the U.S. State Department, Namdar's expertise in national security and human rights is highlighted. Her past roles include serving as a senior advisor on various global issues and as a vice president at the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM). A native Texan and fluent in Farsi, Namdar’s international background comes from not just her professional experiences and studies but also from her personal history as the child of Iranian immigrants.
The appointment comes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where North Texas is set to host games. Namdar has outlined making this event "the greatest sporting event in history" as one of her objectives, directly reflecting one of President Trump’s priorities. Her multifaceted approach to her new role promises a focus on robust immigration system integrity and the safety of Americans overseas. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott echoed this sentiment, "Americans can be proud that patriotic public servants like her are stepping forward to serve our country and advance our national interests," Pigott told Dallas News.
