4 ms·
In some countries that might be true, but not in the US. Free speech protections apply to everyone within US borders, not just citizens. US courts have repea
by wvenable 1y ago
In some countries that might be true, but not in the US. Free speech protections apply to everyone within US borders, not just citizens. US courts have repeatedly interpreted the First Amendment to mean any person physically present in the United States, including foreign visitors, tourists, and undocumented immigrants, are protected.
I would have strongly argued in the past that the big advantage of US constitution is that nobody would need to be cautious about what political speech they post on social media and online.
- ilikehurdles 1y agoIt has always been legal to deny visa/entry to people based on speech and affiliation. Pretty long list of evidence for that. As for non-citizens lawfully present in the U.S., they have more First Amendment protections than those seeking entry, but still less than citizens. All this can get visa holders deported: 1. Material support for terrorist organizations (even verbal/written advocacy. 2. Speech deemed to violate the terms of their specific visa category. 3. False statements to immigration officials. 4. (Most obviously) Criminal convictions stemming from speech acts (fraud, threats, etc.)
- wvenable 1y agoI wouldn't argue that they have less First Amendment protections because, as previously described, everybody within the US has the same First Amendment protections. I think that phrasing is both misleading and dangerous. You're just describing crimes and specific consequences of those crimes that would apply to people in certain circumstances (being a visa holder means you can be deported). Criticizing, for example, the President of United States or holding a particular political viewpoint is (currently) not a crime regardless of your citizenship, residency, or visa status. As for the border, you can be denied entry for any reason at the whim of the border agent so none of this applies to that at all.
- ilikehurdles 1y agoNo, these are not crimes for all. As a citizen I am free to associate with communist parties. There’s a Communist Party USA that was a top sponsor for the most recent no kings rally. As a noncitizen I may face consequences for such associations.
- deleted 1y ago[deleted]
- wvenable 1y agoIt's not a crime if you are not a citizen either. If someone is denied a visa renewal, for example, just administrative -- that's not a criminal proceeding. At no point does anyone have less First Amendment protections under the law.
- cibyr 1y agoWhat does the word "material" in "material support" mean if advocacy counts?
- ilikehurdles 1y agoAdvocacy can count in certain situations if it’s with the purpose of facilitating the other kinds of “material” support (ie funding).