Washington, DC — September 11, 2026 — The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is calling on the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) to immediately correct restrictions that appear to be improperly denying U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents access to LSAC services following recent changes to U.S. sanctions policy toward Iran.

PAAIA has become aware of numerous individuals who received notices from LSAC stating that “LSAC is prohibited from providing any products or services to Iranian citizens or residents.” U.S. sanctions law, in suspending General License G, however, distinguishes between Iranian nationality, heritage, or place of birth and residence inside Iran. Iranian citizenship or heritage, standing alone, does not categorically prohibit an individual legally residing in the United States from receiving LSAC services.

PAAIA has received reports that U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been affected, including individuals who have never set foot in Iran. In one documented case, a U.S. citizen and practicing attorney was apparently restricted based on residency information from more than a decade ago.

U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran should not result in American citizens and lawful permanent residents being denied opportunities in their own country. Sanctions compliance must be based on the law and accurate, current information—not nationality, national origin, heritage, or outdated assumptions about where someone lives.

PAAIA has written to LSAC President and CEO Sudha Setty requesting immediate review of affected accounts, restoration of access for eligible individuals, and safeguards to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged by an erroneous restriction.

Sanctions compliance cannot become a proxy for excluding Iranian Americans from legal education.