1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The continued detention and threat of deportation for Kseniia Petrova, a Russian scientist legally working at Harvard on a visa, is deeply concerning. Her expertise is vital for analyzing groundbreaking microscopic images that could lead to major advancements in cancer detection and longevity research. Deporting her would jeopardize this crucial scientific progress. Detaining legal immigrants like Petrova who are following the rules is unjustified and damages America's ability to attract top global talent in fields like medicine and technology. It breeds an unwelcoming environment that is driving brilliant minds away from U.S. universities and institutions. This brain drain poses a severe threat to American leadership in scientific innovation and discovery. Upholding due process is paramount. Immigrants with proper documentation should not face arbitrary detention or deportation, disrupting their lives and important work. Petrova's continued detention is a waste of resources that could be better utilized elsewhere. I urge you to advocate for her release and ensure cases like hers are handled through proper legal channels rather than punitive crackdowns that ultimately harm American interests. Preserving an open environment for the world's best minds to study and work in the U.S. must be a priority.