1. United States
  2. N.Y.
  3. Letter

Protect freedom of speech

To: Sen. Schumer, Rep. Mannion, Sen. Gillibrand

From: A constituent in Syracuse, NY

September 14, 2025

I am writing as a constituent to urge you to oppose the provision in the Department of State Policy Provisions Act (2025)that would allow the Secretary of State to revoke U.S. passports based on an individual’s political views, including support for Palestine. This provision is unconstitutional and dangerous. It undermines: • Free Speech (First Amendment): Americans have the right to hold and express political views, even if controversial. Revoking passports for opinions amounts to government punishment of protected speech. • Right to Travel: The courts have long recognized travel as a fundamental right tied to citizenship. Restricting it based on beliefs violates due process. • Due Process: Granting sweeping power to revoke passports without clear standards or judicial review places unchecked authority in the hands of one official. • Democracy and Public Discourse: The mere threat of losing a passport for political views will chill dissent and silence debate. History shows such restrictions don’t survive constitutional scrutiny, as in Aptheker v. Secretary of State (1964), where the Supreme Court struck down passport limits tied to association. The United States is strongest when its citizens can speak freely, challenge government policy, and engage in global dialogue without fear of punishment. I urge you to reject this provision and protect constitutional rights. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know how you intend to vote.

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