Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you to oppose H.R. 2204, by Representative Langworthy. If passed, this bill, termed by me to be called the Student Snitch Bill, would force an institution of higher education shall immediately report to the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) when a student holding a J–1 or F–1 nonimmigrant visa has participated in activity in support of, or as an endorsement of, a foreign terrorist organization.
Of course, this Administration is terminating student visas without any review at all, and in some cases with no proof that the student has done anything to merit revocation of their student visa.
This bill combined with the Trump administration's policy of revoking student visas without proper review or due process is a clear red flag and an affront to civil liberties.
US higher education institutions already take the responsibility of enrolling international students and complying with SEVP requirements very seriously. There’s no need for additional government oversight besides the existing due process laws.
Hundreds of international students across the country are already being ordered to "self-deport" within just seven days, without any opportunity to contest the decision or have their cases properly adjudicated.
This heavy-handed approach of policy and this bill violates principles of fairness and tramples on the rights of those legally residing in the United States to pursue an education.
Many of the students facing deportation have not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, let alone convicted of offenses that would legally justify terminating their visa status. Simply expressing political views or attending protests should not be grounds for summary removal without any administrative process or appeals mechanism.
This disregards the constitutionally protected rights of free speech and assembly that all individuals in the United States are entitled to. I urge you to intervene and direct the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to halt this unjust policy immediately.
The United States has long been a beacon of higher learning that attracts talented scholars from around the world. This ill-conceived bill is Orwellian in nature, and tarnishes that reputation and undermines American institutions of higher education.
I implore you to defend the civil liberties of international students and preserve the nation's legacy as a place that welcomes those seeking to learn and innovate. Oppose and Vote NO on H.R. 2204.
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