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Deportation of Australian Writer For Speech Fits “Disturbing Pattern” of U.S. Border Agents Screening Visitors For Their Viewpoints [1]

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Date: 2025-06

(NEW YORK) – On Thursday, Australian writer Alistair Kitchen, was detained at the U.S. border and deported, reportedly based upon his personal writings on student protests and the Trump administration while enrolled as a masters student at Columbia University. Kitchen’s account is just the latest instance in a growing pattern of writers, artists, and scholars reporting being questioned, detained, or denied entry by U.S. border agents, with many told it was for speech that is critical of the Trump administration or the Israeli government.

In response, said Jonathan Friedman, PEN America’s Sy Syms managing director, U.S. Free Expression Programs, stated:

“It is gravely concerning to read an account of someone being detained and turned away at the border due to their writings on student protests, Palestine, and the Trump administration. Writers, artists, and scholars must be free to express their views openly without compromising their free movement across borders. Kitchen’s account fits a disturbing pattern, in which border agents appear to be screening visitors to the U.S. for their viewpoints. That is anti-democratic, and it must be halted.”

About PEN America

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.

Contact: Malka Margolies, [email protected], 718-530-3582

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[1] Url: https://pen.org/press-release/deportation-of-australian-writer-for-speech-fits-disturbing-pattern-of-u-s-border-agents-screening-visitors-for-their-viewpoints/

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