Rep. Jayapal Blasts Trump Administration for Invading the Privacy of Immigrants and U.S. Citizens

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, the first Indian American woman in the U.S. House of Representatives and a naturalized citizen, blasted President Trump for moving to collect social media information on all immigrants, including permanent residents and naturalized citizens.

"It seems there's nothing we can do to be American enough in the eyes of Donald Trump. His authoritarian instincts are bringing about dangerous and dire consequences for immigrants and American citizens alike. By pushing for this measure, the president is trampling on the rights of millions of people.

"The president must cease and desist before the policy takes effect on October 18. The proposal to surveil millions of people without cause, flies in the face of due process and constitutional values that are meant to protect personal privacy from government overreach."

Background: The new Department of Homeland Security rule, published in the Federal Register, describes including "social media handles and aliases, associated identifiable information and search results" in the department's immigrant files. It is set to take effect on October 18.

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