1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's attempts to deport Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old Columbia University student and green card holder, and Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia graduate student, over their involvement in pro-Palestinian protests are deeply concerning actions that violate their constitutional rights to free speech. Targeting noncitizens for deportation solely due to their political views and activism is an authoritarian tactic meant to suppress dissent. It goes against core American values of freedom of expression. The claim that their pro-Palestinian activism threatens U.S. foreign policy interests is unsubstantiated and an alarmingly broad justification that could be used to target any viewpoint the government dislikes. Deporting long-term legal residents like Ms. Chung and Mr. Khalil, who have been part of American communities for years, over their political beliefs is a severe overreach of immigration enforcement powers. It violates their First Amendment rights that the Supreme Court has ruled apply to noncitizens as well. I urge you to take a strong stance against these disturbing attempts to weaponize the immigration system to punish peaceful protesters and advocates. The administration must immediately halt deportation proceedings against Ms. Chung and Mr. Khalil, and end this crusade against outspoken noncitizens which strikes at the heart of civil liberties. Protecting robust rights to protest and dissent is vital for a healthy democracy.