JACL National Youth/Student Council Condemns Revocation of Student Visas

May 14, 2025

For Immediate Release

The JACL National Youth/Student Council condemns the revocation of at least 1,487 visas from international students and recent graduates.

This is a blatant attempt to intimidate university students and suppress political expression.

The forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, carried out without due process, stands as a stark reminder of what happens when fear and prejudice become the rule of law. As an organization rooted in civil rights and social justice, the JACL recognizes the dangerous parallels between past and present. Targeting individuals based on national origin or political expression undermines the fundamental principles of civil liberties.

Let us be clear: free speech, due process, and the right to assemble are not privileges- they are constitutional rights. The US Constitution limits government power; it does not grant rights only to US citizens or those deemed “American enough”. The Supreme Court has ruled time and time again that immigrants, whether they be permanent residents or international students on temporary visas, are protected by these principles, and to target them for political beliefs is an abuse of power.

If we remain silent, we are complicit. We call on universities to protect their students’ civil rights, on elected officials to demand accountability, and on all civil society to speak out against this injustice. Civil rights do not stop at the border. Solidarity is not a crime.

###

The National Youth/Student Council (NY/SC) is a body of student and young professional leaders representing their peers on the district and national levels of the Japanese American Citizens League. Our Mission is to raise awareness of AAPI issues and to engage and develop young leaders who create positive change in our community.

The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose ongoing mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote cultural, educational, and social values and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.