In April 2024, activist Mahmoud Khalil spoke to the Journal News about his suspension from Columbia University following pro-Palestinian protests. Korean American student Yunseo Chung, a legal permanent U.S. resident, is now facing deportation after her status was revoked by the Trump administration. The administration claimed her presence in the U.S. obstructed its foreign policy agenda. Trump has vowed to deport foreign pro-Palestinian protesters, accusing them of supporting Hamas and being anti-Semitic. Activists and human rights advocates have condemned these actions, saying they wrongly conflate criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism.
Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested for protesting, is also facing legal challenges to his detention as a lawful permanent resident. A lawsuit filed on Monday claims that the government’s actions are part of a larger pattern of repressing constitutionally protected protest activity, specifically targeting university students critical of Israeli government actions in Gaza. The Department of Homeland Security accused Chung of engaging in concerning conduct during a protest at Barnard College, labeling it as “pro-Hamas.”
Other foreign students, like Indian student Badar Khan Suri and Cornell University student Momodou Taal, have also faced deportation attempts. Suri was detained but a federal judge barred his deportation, while Taal’s visa was revoked. These actions have raised concerns about the targeting of foreign students who engage in political activism related to Palestine. The situation has drawn criticism for its infringement on free speech rights and constitutional protections.
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