Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in a Massachusetts court case challenging the Trump Administration's "Ideological Deportation Policy." The case, "American Association of University Professors, et al., v. Marco Rubio, et al.," targets the deportation policy which allegedly punishes noncitizens with lawful status, especially targeting college students and faculty for their political beliefs.

The coalition's brief urges the court to block the policy, citing constitutional issues. "This is yet another disturbing and unconstitutional example of the Trump Administration targeting people simply for expressing opposing political views," Nessel commented, adding that the policy undermines free speech and endangers academic freedom.

The policy stems from Executive Orders 14161 and 14188, which direct federal agencies to evaluate foreign nationals on ideological grounds. The orders allow for the investigation, detention, and deportation of noncitizen students and faculty engaged in political speech opposing the administration's views. Over 700 visas have already been revoked under this policy, affecting lawful residents, students, and visitors in Michigan and elsewhere.

The coalition argues that educational institutions are especially harmed by this policy as it threatens the open exchange of ideas fundamental to their mission. The potential for self-censorship among noncitizen residents, due to the broad nature of the policy, poses further concerns about limiting expression in academic, political, and religious contexts.

Among those joining Nessel in filing the brief are state attorneys general from Arizona, California, and several other states. The coalition emphasizes the significant contributions of noncitizen residents to their states and stresses that the policy's continued implementation would cause irreparable harm to public interest and state institutions.