Petition: Protect Free Speech and Stop the Deportation of Mohsen Mahdawi

To: Sen. Sanders, Sen. Welch, Rep. Balint, Gov. Scott and the Board of Immigration Appeals:

We, the undersigned, call for the immediate termination of all deportation proceedings against Mohsen Mahdawi, a lawful permanent resident and peace activist. We urge you to issue a public statement condemning the weaponization of immigration enforcement as a tool to punish political speech and suppress peaceful dissent.

The targeting of Mohsen, is a direct assault on the First Amendment. When the government uses the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to deport individuals for their political views, it threatens the free speech rights of all residents, regardless of their status. We call for urgent legislative reform of the INA to prevent future administrations from abusing foreign policy provisions to silence lawful protest.

Mohsen is a stateless Palestinian refugee born and raised in a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. Deporting a stateless individual to a region currently facing a humanitarian catastrophe and apartheid conditions would place his life in immediate and grave danger. We urge the administration to acknowledge these dire conditions and uphold its humanitarian obligations.

Mohsen is known for being a dedicated peacemaker. In his role as a peaceful leader, he has consistently championed dialogue, empathy, and nonviolence. His commitment to human dignity and his focus on peaceful advocacy for equal rights have moved many to stand in solidarity with him. His story is one of resilience and a steadfast belief in the power of peace and justice to effect change.

Direct intervention is requested to permanently end these proceedings. The United States should uphold its values as a place where individuals can advocate for justice and human rights without fear of retaliation or exile.

Sincerely, the undersigned