What rights do visa holders and others have in the U.S.?

The federal government’s decision to revoke a Columbia University graduate student’s green card and potentially deport him for his involvement in a pro-Palestinian student encampment has sparked concerns about the risks of political activism for non-U.S. citizens. Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent negotiator representing student protesters at Columbia and other campuses nationwide, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who claimed to be executing a State Department order to revoke his student visa, later clarifying that they were revoking his green card. While Khalil’s fate is uncertain pending legal proceedings, experts note that non-U.S. citizens have 1st Amendment rights to engage in activism, but participation in activities that result in criminal charges could jeopardize their immigration status. The government generally cannot revoke a green card solely for participating in political activism, unless the individual violates specific laws, such as committing violent crimes. The case has raised concerns among university communities and sparked fears among students involved in political protests, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio defending the administration’s actions as necessary to maintain order on college campuses.

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