Third Act Statement on Trump’s Recent Deportation Orders

Third Act stands with Mahmoud Khalil, Rumeysa Ozturk, and others threatened with deportation because of peaceful protest or expressing their opinions.

Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts student, was in the country with a legal visa, and was in “good immigration standing” according to a federal database of international students. Mahmoud Khalil is a legal US green card holder, who, like all who land on these shores, is protected under the US Constitution. These are two examples of recent deportations or visa revocations in recent weeks, targeted at students who have attended demonstrations. The protection and extension of rights onto all human beings are among the proudest functions of our democracy. The rights to speak freely and to assemble peacefully are bedrock.

The New York Times reported that nearly 300 students have had their visas revoked by this administration. To make matters worse, on Monday, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump was allowed to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to process swift deportations—the very same act used to justify the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. It was wrong to use it then, and it’s wrong to use it now.

We feel particularly strongly about this as older Americans, who have enjoyed these liberties our entire lives, and who have the pleasure of working side by side with students and other protestors from here and around the world on important fights. We know our country has no monopoly on wisdom, and are proud that so many have sought an education here, and in the process broadened and improved our nation.