Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has led a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief against the Trump Administration's "Ideological Deportation Policy." The brief supports a legal challenge against this policy in the case "American Association of University Professors, et al., v. Marco Rubio, et al." pending in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts. The coalition argues that the policy, which targets foreign individuals based on their political beliefs, infringes on First Amendment rights and negatively impacts educational institutions, public safety, and health.
The "Ideological Deportation Policy" stems from two Executive Orders, 14161 and 14188, that mandate increased scrutiny of foreign nationals based on ideology. These orders have led to the revocation of over 800 visas, affecting students and residents engaged in political speech opposing the Administration.
AG Campbell emphasized the importance of protecting students and faculty from fear of detention due to their beliefs. She stated, "No student should ever live in fear of detention or deportation for what they believe or express." The coalition claims the policy has caused a decline in international student applications and threatens cooperation with law enforcement due to deportation fears.
The coalition, joined by Attorney General Nicholas Brown of Washington and others from numerous states, urges the court to block this policy.