1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The arrest and potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and green card holder, sets a disturbing precedent that threatens the free speech rights of all non-citizens living in the United States. As a legal permanent resident, Khalil is entitled to the same First Amendment protections as U.S. citizens, including the right to protest and voice his political views. The government's attempt to revoke his green card status solely because of his activism is a blatant violation of constitutional rights. Deportation proceedings against Khalil undermine the principles of free expression and open discourse that are fundamental to a democratic society. Silencing dissenting voices and criminalizing certain political viewpoints is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes, not a nation that prides itself on upholding civil liberties. If the government can strip Khalil of his legal status for protesting, it sets a dangerous precedent that jeopardizes the free speech of all non-citizens, regardless of their views or causes they support. I urge you to take a strong stance against this egregious overreach by the Trump administration. Failure to protect Khalil's rights today will only embolden future efforts to suppress dissent and curtail the freedoms of marginalized communities. A robust commitment to free speech means safeguarding the rights of all individuals, citizens and non-citizens alike, to voice their opinions without fear of retaliation or deportation. Protecting Mahmoud Khalil's right to protest is essential to upholding the democratic values our nation claims to uphold.