1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The attempt to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident and recent Columbia University graduate, over his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests is a disturbing violation of free speech rights. While opinions may differ on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the right to peacefully protest and express dissent is a fundamental American value enshrined in the First Amendment. Deporting Khalil solely for his political activism sets a dangerous precedent that threatens civil liberties for all. This heavy-handed action by the administration relies on an obscure, sweeping provision of immigration law that gives the Secretary of State unilateral power to expel foreigners whose presence is viewed as having "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences." Using this provision to punish domestic political dissent is a severe overreach that undermines America's commitment to free expression. I urge you to forcefully denounce this attempt to deport Khalil and take immediate action to protect his residency status. Failure to do so will enable further erosion of cherished Constitutional rights and embolden the suppression of peaceful protest. Defending Khalil's right to voice his views, even if unpopular, is essential to upholding the democratic principles this nation was founded upon.