David J. Bier
David J. Bier
I just had a disturbing conversation with a green card holder—a legal permanent resident of the United States. He had asked if he thought traveling internationally was wise for him as someone who has criticized President Trump and Israel and whether he should avoid any further criticism and/or remove any past criticism from his social media before he travels.
In a free society, the answer would be: “You should say whatever you want, criticize whoever you want, and not worry about traveling because the government cannot punish you for what you say.” But until the Supreme Court reaffirms that the First Amendment protects noncitizens in the United States from banishment for their speech—and until President Trump obeys the Supreme Court—we do not live in a free country.
The Trump administration is revoking green cards and visas solely based on speech. Individuals are explicitly being targeted based on “beliefs, statements, or associations” that are “lawful within the United States” but which Secretary of State Marco Rubio has deemed “adverse to the foreign policy of the United States.” Even authoring an op-ed criticizing a foreign government’s foreign policy can now trigger visa revocation. The administration is also searching electronic devices at ports of entry for evidence of “adverse” views.
This reality meant that I had to tell the green card holder that it would be prudent to delete any criticism and refrain from further criticism if he wanted to limit the possibility of becoming a target and be able to stay in America with his family. When I say I had to say this, I mean it was the direct result of government intervention in society. I could not encourage him to speak his mind. I couldn’t, in good faith, encourage him to criticize President Trump, though I believe there is much to criticize. » Read More
https://www.cato.org/blog/us-citizens-dont-have-first-amendment-rights-noncitizens-dont