Anti-Israel speech from lawful non-citizens likely protected by First Amendment, federal judge says
CNN
Lawfully present non-citizens in the United States likely have the same First Amendment rights as US citizens, a federal judge said Thursday, even in cases of speech some feel has a repugnant political message.
Lawfully present non-citizens in the United States likely have the same First Amendment rights as US citizens, a federal judge said Thursday, even in cases of speech some feel has a repugnant political message. “I’m asking if a lawfully non-citizen has the same rights as a citizen,” Judge William G. Young said Thursday. “Probably they do. The answer is in the affirmative. Again, we are talking about pure speech.” “Antisemitism is not illegal,” Young said. “It may be repulsive, but it is not illegal. It is protected under the First Amendment.” The trial, involving a group of university professors who say the administration’s efforts to deport individuals over their anti-Israel views is intended to limit protected political speech, is set for closing arguments Monday. On Thursday, the judge also said that in order to find that someone has supported Hamas, it “has to be something more” than criticism of Israel or support of Palestine. Over the course of the two-week trial, Homeland Security agents and leadership within the department have testified about how DHS works with the State Department to investigate individuals who may violate an executive order from President Donald Trump on antisemitism.
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