Congress should consider enacting legislation that explicitly prohibits non-citizens from participating in public protests or demonstrations of any kind. This proposal is grounded in the principles of the United States Constitution, which guarantees American citizens the right to peacefully protest government policies. However, this constitutional right does not extend to non-citizens, including individuals residing in the country illegally. Furthermore, non-citizens should not be allowed to engage in protests—whether online or in public spaces—that promote international interests, ideologies, lifestyles, religions, forms of government, or issues that are not aligned with the best interests of the United States and its citizens.
The foundation of this position lies in the principle that American citizens elect representatives to Congress, entrusting them with the authority to address both domestic and international matters on behalf of the electorate. Representatives are accountable to American citizens, not to non-citizens. Consequently, non-citizens should not exert influence over members of Congress or their decision-making processes. Such influence is a privilege reserved exclusively for the relationship between citizens and their elected representatives. To illustrate, non-citizens should not participate in protests supporting organizations like Hamas, as such involvement pertains to international affairs. If an American citizen wishes to express support for Hamas, they have the constitutional right to convey their opinions to their congressional representative or participate in peaceful protests. If a majority of Americans share similar views, the policy toward Hamas could change through the democratic process. Should a majority of congressional representatives agree with the objectives of these peaceful protests, they would act accordingly to reflect the collective sentiment of the electorate. This process underscores the essence of representative democracy, which is governed by dialogue and consensus, not by the chaos of mob rule.
The geopolitical dynamics of regions like the Middle East often involve cycles of conflict and resolution. In contrast, the American system of representative democracy is rooted in the concept of the “town square,” where discussion, consensus, and subsequent action are central. Therefore, Congress must take steps to draft legislation that clearly defines the behavioral expectations for non-citizens while they are in the United States. Additionally, Congress should delineate the rights afforded to American citizens versus the privileges extended to non-citizens, thereby preserving the integrity of our culture’s distinctiveness. Non-citizens are expected to respect the Constitution and conduct themselves appropriately during their time in the United States.