FBI Watchlist Entry Leads to Visa Revocation for Iraqi National

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 28, 2026: The U.S. Department of State has revoked the visa of Iraqi national Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi following her placement on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s terrorism watchlist, the department said Friday.

Al Shakarchi was previously honored by the Biden administration with the International Women of Courage Award in 2022 for her work against corruption and advocacy for gender equity.

The award was presented by then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former First Lady Jill Biden. The State Department said the award recognizes women around the world who demonstrate exceptional courage, strength and leadership in advancing peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

According to the State Department, Al Shakarchi’s U.S. visa was revoked after she was placed on the FBI’s terrorism watchlist. She is no longer in the United States.

Al Shakarchi served as Iraq’s finance minister from 2022 until July 2026, according to recent reports. The circumstances surrounding her placement on the FBI watchlist have not been publicly detailed by U.S. authorities.

The State Department framed the visa revocation as part of the Trump administration’s broader national security and immigration policies.

“Under President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suspected terrorists will never be allowed to remain in the United States,” the department said.

The FBI maintains terrorism-related watchlists and publicly identifies certain individuals through its terrorism and most-wanted programs, although placement on a watchlist does not necessarily mean that an individual has been publicly charged with a crime.

The State Department did not provide further details about the information or circumstances that led to Al Shakarchi’s placement on the terrorism watchlist.