In an attempt to discourage student protests, the Trump administration is threatening to revoke the visas of international students who participate in political demonstrations. According to experts, the move would be a blatant violation of free speech rights and could have a chilling effect on student discourse.
The issue came to light when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a statement on July 6, 2020, warning international students that they could face deportation if they engage in “unauthorized political activities.” This statement came shortly after a series of nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice.
Several civil rights organizations and prominent figures have condemned the move, calling it an attack on free speech and a threat to student participation in politics. They argue that the statement is an attempt by the administration to quash student protests and stifle dissent.
“The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the First Amendment of the Constitution protects the right of individuals, including international students, to engage in peaceful protest. ICE’s statement is a direct violation of our constitutional rights, and its enforcement could have a chilling effect on student free speech,” said Zeke Stokes, VP of Communications for the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE).
Experts fear that the move could have widespread implications for international students’ ability to engage in political discourse. Some argue that it may even force students to censor their speech out of fear of deportation.
“At the very least, it is a clear signal to international students that they must be extra careful with the types of conversations they have with other students and in public settings,” said Robert Ellickson, director of the Follow the Money Project at Northwestern University. “It may create a hostile environment for international students who wish to engage in political discourse.”
In addition to violating free speech rights, the move could also have other burdensome effects. It could deprive international students of opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue on pressing issues and cause students from certain countries to disproportionately face scrutiny for engaging in politics.
It is clear that the Trump administration’s attempt to stifle dissent through the revocation of visas is a dangerous move that could have serious repercussions for international students’ rights. Free speech experts urge the administration to reconsider this statement and to ensure that all students, regardless of their country of origin, are able to participate in political discourse.