Mora Namdar Biography
Mora Namdar is an accomplished American professional who serves as the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. She is known for her work in law, government service, and business.
Mora Namdar is a native Texan and the child of Iranian immigrants. She speaks fluent Farsi (Persian) and has built a career that bridges private business, law, and high-level government roles. In December 2025, she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. This role puts her in charge of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, which handles millions of passport applications each year and makes decisions on who can enter the United States through visas.
Namdar first held this position on an acting basis in December 2020 during the first Trump administration. Now, in 2025, she returns to lead the bureau full time under President Donald Trump’s second term. Her work focuses on national security, international human rights, and protecting U.S. interests in travel and immigration. She has also contributed to policy discussions, including a section on the U.S. Agency for Global Media in Project 2025.
Her story shows how someone from an immigrant family can rise to important public service positions. She balances her Texas roots with deep knowledge of global issues, especially in the Middle East. This makes her a unique figure in U.S. diplomacy.
Mora Namdar Early Life and Background
Mora Namdar grew up in Texas as a first-generation American. Her parents are immigrants from Iran, which gave her a strong connection to Persian culture and language. She speaks Farsi fluently, a skill that helps in her work on international matters.
As a teenager, she attended Shepton High School in Plano, Texas. In 2002, during her sophomore year, she told a local newspaper that she loved world history classes. At that time, she named Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright, both former U.S. Secretaries of State, as people she admired and wanted to meet. This early interest in global affairs and leadership shaped her future path.
Namdar was born and raised in the Dallas area, including places like Plano. Her upbringing in Texas combined with her family’s Iranian heritage helped her understand different cultures. This background prepared her well for roles that involve diplomacy and human rights. She is often described as a proud Texan who values hard work, a trait she credits to her parents.
Mora Namdar Career
Mora Namdar has had a diverse career in law, business, and government. She earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and International Studies from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas. She also studied at Oxford University for additional coursework. Later, she received her Juris Doctor (JD) from American University Washington College of Law and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from American University’s School of International Service.
She became a licensed attorney in both Texas and Washington, D.C. Early in her career, she worked for Occidental Petroleum, a large company, and advised on government affairs. She also worked at the Voice of America, focusing on national security and policy.
Namdar founded her own law firm, Namdar Law PLLC, which operated in Dallas and Washington, D.C. The firm handled legal matters related to business and government. She was the founding Editor-in-Chief of the National Security Law Brief at her law school, showing her early focus on security issues.
In business, Namdar created BAM Beauty Bar, a chain of luxury salons in Texas. The salons, located in areas like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano, offer services such as blowouts, makeup, hair extensions, and event styling. She started the business after friends asked her for help with makeup for special occasions. The salons were described as fun and high-end, winning local awards for their design and services.
Namdar entered government service multiple times. She served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of State on global issues. She was Vice President of Legal, Compliance, and Risk at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). In 2020, President Trump appointed her to perform the duties of Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs starting December 22, 2020. In 2025, she served as Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs from May 19 to December 1 before her current role.
She is recognized as an expert in U.S. national security and international human rights. She has spoken at events, including one at the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, and written opinion pieces on foreign policy.
Mora Namdar Recent Appointment
On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Mora Namdar as Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. She was sworn in shortly after, with the State Department welcoming her on December 24, 2025. This is her second time in the role, following her acting service in 2020.
In this position, she leads the Bureau of Consular Affairs. The bureau manages passport issuance, visa processing, and support for Americans traveling or living overseas. It plays a key part in national security by reviewing who can enter the country.
During her Senate confirmation hearing in October 2025, Namdar stated that consular officers must ensure visas go only to those who meet rules and do not threaten U.S. interests. She supports revoking visas if someone violates terms or undermines foreign policy. She also mentioned helping make the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with games in North Texas, a success as one of the administration’s priorities.
Her appointment aligns with the current administration’s focus on stronger immigration and travel policies. The State Department described her as an accomplished lawyer, business owner, and government official.
Mora Namdar Personal Life
Public information about Mora Namdar’s personal life is limited. She is known as a native Texan and the daughter of Iranian immigrants. There is no verified public detail about whether she is married or has children. Her public profile centers on her professional achievements rather than private matters.
Namdar has spoken about her family’s hard work and how it influenced her. She values her cultural roots and uses her language skills in her career. She keeps a low personal profile, focusing on her duties in government and past business ventures.
Conclusion
Mora Namdar’s journey shows a strong commitment to public service, law, and understanding global issues. From her Texas upbringing and immigrant family background to her advanced education and varied career, she has built expertise in areas that matter to U.S. security and diplomacy.
As Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs in 2025, she continues to shape policies on travel, visas, and passports. Her experience in government, including roles at the State Department and USAGM, along with her business success, gives her a practical view of leadership. Namdar stands as an example of how diverse backgrounds can contribute to important national roles.
FAQs
Who is Mora Namdar?
Mora Namdar is the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, an attorney, and former business owner. She is a native Texan and child of Iranian immigrants.
What is Mora Namdar’s education?
She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and International Studies from Southern Methodist University, a JD from American University Washington College of Law, and a Master’s in International Affairs from American University’s School of International Service. She also studied at Oxford University.
What businesses does Mora Namdar own?
She founded BAM Beauty Bar, a chain of luxury beauty salons in Texas with locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano. She also ran Namdar Law PLLC, though it is no longer active as of late 2025.
What government roles has Mora Namdar held?
She served as acting Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs in 2020, Vice President of Legal at USAGM, Senior Advisor at the State Department, and Senior Bureau Official for Near Eastern Affairs in 2025. She is now the confirmed Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs.
What languages does Mora Namdar speak?
She speaks fluent English and Farsi (Persian).
Is Mora Namdar involved in Project 2025?
Yes, she contributed a section on the U.S. Agency for Global Media, discussing needed reforms.