Washington, DC – The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has condemned recent actions by the Trump Administration targeting individuals with legal immigration status, warning that such measures threaten constitutional rights.
AILA President Kelli Stump criticized the administration’s approach, stating: “President Trump’s immigration policies have already eroded public safety and sown chaos in our system. Now, we’re seeing a dangerous escalation—targeting individuals for exercising their First Amendment rights.”
Stump referenced the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident reportedly facing deportation under a rarely invoked provision of immigration law. The statute allows removal if the Secretary of State deems an individual’s presence a potential threat to U.S. foreign policy.
“Khalil hasn’t been charged with any crime, let alone terrorism,” Stump emphasized. “This appears to be retaliation for his beliefs—a blatant disregard for due process and free speech. Our nation was founded on rejecting such tyranny, and we cannot let this administration dismantle those principles.”
AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson echoed the concerns, calling the move an “abuse of power.”
“The administration is dusting off an obscure, legally dubious provision to deport people based on ideology,” Johnson said. “A federal judge previously ruled this law unconstitutional, yet it’s being revived to punish speech protected by the Constitution. The courts must reject this overreach, and the public must demand accountability.”
The remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the administration’s use of immigration enforcement to target dissenters. Legal experts warn the tactic sets a troubling precedent for civil liberties.
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