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Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | January 30, 2025 — The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) strongly condemns the recent executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which mandates the cancellation of student visas and the deportation of non-citizen students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests. This executive order is not only a profound misstep in policy but a severe infringement on the constitutional rights that underpin the very foundation of our nation.

The designation of these students as security threats due to their involvement in peaceful protests dangerously conflates legitimate political advocacy with terrorism. This conflation not only undermines the principles of a democratic society but also contributes to a broader climate of fear and repression. It is essential to recognize that advocating for Palestinian rights is a political position entirely distinct from endorsing violence. To suggest otherwise is to misunderstand the nature of these protests, which fundamentally seek to address human rights issues and advocate for political change through non-violent means.

Moreover, the EO’s directive to deport students based on their participation in these protests sets a disturbing precedent, treating political expression as a deportable offense. Such measures threaten to erode the rich fabric of academic freedom and dialogue that American universities have long upheld. The potential chilling effect on free speech extends beyond the individuals directly targeted by the order to affect all members of university communities, discouraging engagement with critical and necessary discussions about international politics and human rights.

We call on the administration to rescind this unjust executive order and affirm the importance of protecting civil liberties for all individuals. We stand ready to collaborate with legal experts, civil rights activists, and all who value democratic principles to challenge this order and defend the rights of students to engage freely in political expression.

The Muslim Public Affairs Council remains committed to advocating for justice and the protection of civil rights. We will continue to support efforts to ensure that all voices, especially those of marginalized communities, can participate in political dialogue without fear of undue government interference.

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