Columbia University Student Fights Deportation Over Pro-Palestinian Activism

A Columbia University student and US green card holder, Yunseo Chung, has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, seeking to block her deportation following her participation in pro-Palestinian protests.

The 21-year-old Korean American, who has lived in the United States since childhood, was recently informed that her permanent resident status was being revoked, according to legal documents filed in the US District Court.

Chung’s legal team argues that the US government is unjustly targeting her for exercising her First Amendment rights, claiming that her activism is being misrepresented as a national security threat. The lawsuit states that federal agents have made multiple attempts to detain her, though she remains free pending legal proceedings.

This case unfolds amid a wider crackdown on foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, with authorities citing national security concerns. The government claims that such protests disrupt diplomatic relations and support extremist organizations, a charge denied by activists and legal experts.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleged that Chung’s participation in a protest at Barnard College led to her arrest, branding the demonstration as “pro-Hamas.” However, the lawsuit argues that her actions fall within constitutionally protected free speech and accuses the administration of political retaliation.

Legal experts warn that Chung’s case could set a precedent for how the US treats student activism, particularly among immigrants and foreign residents. This follows similar legal battles involving Georgetown student Badar Khan Suri, whose deportation was blocked by a judge, and Cornell student Momodou Taal, who faces visa revocation.

As public outcry grows, civil rights groups and student organizations are calling for an end to what they describe as politically motivated immigration enforcement, arguing that free expression should not be grounds for deportation.