Columbia Student Fights Deportation Amid Pro-Palestinian Activism Accusations

Yunseo Chung, a Columbia University student, claims her deportation is politically motivated due to her pro-Palestinian activism. Chung seeks legal protection against the Trump administration's attempts to deport students involved in protests. Her case highlights broader allegations of using immigration laws to suppress free speech rights.

A Columbia University student has accused the Trump administration of targeting her for deportation due to her pro-Palestinian activism. Yunseo Chung, 21, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., alleged in a lawsuit that officials are employing repression tactics against activists like Mahmoud Khalil pursuing similar causes.

Chung's legal challenge aims to prevent her deportation while highlighting a larger governmental pattern of silencing protest activities through immigration enforcement. Her lawsuit argues that deportation efforts violate constitutional protections of free speech, as Chung has lived in the U.S. since emigrating from South Korea at age 7.

The case draws attention to other similar deportation efforts against individuals such as Cornell University student Momodou Taal, emphasizing the controversial nature of using immigration laws to penalize protest activities. The legal proceedings underscore ongoing tensions between student activism and governmental immigration control measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)