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

The robust protections for freedom of expression are a fundamental American value. As a legal permanent resident, Mahmoud Khalil is entitled to the constitutional protections afforded by the First Amendment, including freedom of expression. Deporting him solely for his pro-Palestinian protest activities would set a deeply troubling precedent that threatens to undermine this core civil liberty for all non-citizens and citizens alike. It is imperative that legal permanent residents like Khalil have their constitutional rights safeguarded, including due process protections in immigration proceedings. Deporting individuals based solely on the exercise of free speech would deal a severe blow to the democratic values and civil liberties that define America.