The right to speak out — without fear of government retaliation — is core to any free society.

But under the Trump administration’s revived visa surveillance program, union members and immigrant workers are being targeted for what they say online. That’s why three major labor unions — the American Federation of Teachers, the Communications Workers of America, and the United Auto Workers — are taking the administration to court.

They’re not just fighting for their members. They’re fighting for all of us.

The Trump administration has been scanning social media posts by visa holders, using AI and automated tools to flag people whose views are deemed “hostile” to the U.S. government. In many cases, people’s visas are being revoked because of tweets, retweets, or political commentary — especially if they touch on sensitive topics like U.S. foreign policy or Palestinian rights.

This kind of digital surveillance chills speech, punishes dissent, and creates a two-tiered system of rights — one where immigrants must self-censor to avoid government punishment.

That’s unacceptable.

Union members include grad students, educators, researchers, essential workers, and organizers. They should not be forced to choose between speaking freely and staying in the country they work and live in. And no one — citizen or not — should be subjected to government spying just for expressing their political beliefs.

We stand with the unions challenging this program in court. And we call on the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department to immediately:

• End mass surveillance of visa holders’ social media;
• Halt visa revocations based solely on political speech;
• Publicly commit to protecting the First Amendment rights of all people lawfully residing in the U.S.
   

Free speech must not depend on your passport.

Add your name to show support for the unions defending our rights — and demand an end to government surveillance that silences workers.