We have previously discussed the decision to bar certain travelers from the United States based on their political views or associations. I have long opposed such orders as inimical to free speech and counterproductive for the country as a whole. The latest example of this policy is the barring of Omar Barghouti, the co-founder of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement. According to NPR, the Palestinian activist was prevented from entering to speak to various groups who wanted to hear from him. The government prevented that as well as his desire to attend his daughter’s wedding.
Countries like Russia regularly bar entry to people who hold views considered unacceptable. It is the ultimate form of denying free speech but preventing people from even conversing on a subject. Of course, Barghouti can still appear by video or engage through the Internet. All that the order achieves to make a mockery of our values of free speech.
Ultimately, Barghouti appeared via livestream and his being barred at the border likely served to only reaffirm the views of the BDS supporters.Read more: https://forward.com/fast-forward/422425/bds-omar-barghouti-barred-united-states/