Lead legislation to repeal the deportation authority used against visa-holders and lawful permanent residents to protect free speech rights.

"I'm leading this legislation with Senator Padilla to protect the fundamental right to free speech." The release says the bill would repeal a deportation authority used against visa-holders and legal permanent residents.

Welch commits to lead a bill that would repeal a deportation provision affecting visa-holders and lawful permanent residents, framing it as protection for free speech.

Welch, Padilla Lead Bicameral “Land of the Free Act” to Repeal Trump Deportation Provision Targeting First Amendment Right to Free Speech
primary · press_release · model gpt-5.4-mini

AP reported that ICE detained Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian-born lawful permanent resident, as a foreign-policy threat tied to Palestinian-rights advocacy, and that a federal judge ordered his release after finding a substantial free-speech claim.

The deportation ground Welch wants repealed was still being used on June 18, 2026, so there is no sign the promised repeal legislation has been delivered; the status remains unresolved.

unresolved same_term

A judge orders ICE to free a Wisconsin mosque leader, citing a 'substantial' free speech claim
secondary · model gpt-5.4-mini · confidence 78%