Yunseo Chung, a Korean American Columbia University student and legal permanent U.S. resident, is suing the Trump administration to prevent her deportation after her lawful permanent resident status was revoked. The administration claims her presence hinders its foreign policy agenda due to her participation in pro-Palestinian protests. Activists, including Columbia protester Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested and accused of supporting Hamas, deny the allegations and criticize the administration for targeting those who criticize Israel and support Palestinian rights. Human rights advocates have condemned the government’s moves, alleging a pattern of repression against constitutionally protected protest activity.
Chung’s lawsuit argues that actions against her are part of a larger pattern of repression of speech, particularly targeting university students who speak out in solidarity with Palestinians. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security alleges that Chung engaged in concerning conduct during a protest at Barnard College, which they labeled as “pro-Hamas.” Similarly, Indian student Badar Khan Suri was detained and later barred from deportation by a federal judge, while Cornell University student Momodou Taal was asked to turn himself in as his visa was being revoked.
The activists and students facing deportation or detention argue that they are being unfairly targeted for their political beliefs and activities, and that the administration’s actions are unjust and un-American. The situation has led to increased efforts by activists to push back against the Trump administration’s crackdown on foreign pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
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