Elfreth Condemns Trump Administration Attacks on International Students’ Freedom of Speech and Due Process Rights

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) issued the following statement in response to the arrests, detentions, and visa revocations of foreign-born college and graduate students by the Trump Administration.

“America’s higher education institutions are the envy of the world; the best and brightest students come from across the globe to learn at our universities and contribute to groundbreaking research. As a former college professor, I am deeply distressed and appalled by the Trump Administration’s attack on foreign-born college and graduate students.”

“These detentions and arrests are a direct and clear attack on the First Amendment, a bedrock principle of our democracy. Our Constitution guarantees the right to peaceably assemble and petition grievances – free from the fear of arrest. Each and every student should be entitled to due process in the United States of America. This Administration’s chilling of free speech and blatant disregard for due process signals a dangerous shift away from the democratic principles of our Founders and into authoritarianism.”

“I urge my Republican colleagues to stand up to uphold the promise and protection of the First Amendment, even when they disagree with what is being said. It is in our best interest as a country and a democracy to support these students in the fight for free speech and due process.”

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