Cornell Activist’s Tough Decision: Leaving the U.S. After Court Denies Deportation Appeal | CNN

A doctoral candidate from Cornell University, Momodou Taal, is preparing to leave the U.S. after his student visa was revoked. This decision comes after he faced backlash for participating in pro-Palestinian protests and making comments on social media that many deemed controversial.

Taal, who holds dual citizenship in the U.K. and The Gambia, expressed his fears about staying in the U.S., stating, “I have lost faith I could walk the streets without being abducted.” His comments were in response to heightened tensions and the government’s actions against students involved in activism.

The U.S. government cited Taal’s protests as “disruptive” and stated that his behavior created a hostile environment for Jewish students. Homeland Security officials emphasized that when students advocate violence, their privileges should be revoked. This policy has intensified recently, with more international students facing scrutiny for their activism.

One of the actions prompting his visa revocation was Taal’s tweet following the October 7 attack by Hamas, where he stated, “colonised peoples have the right to resist by any means necessary.” This post drew significant criticism, particularly in light of the attack that resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Israel.

Taal’s attorney, Eric Lee, has voiced concerns about the treatment of international students like Taal, stating, “What is America if people like Momodou are not welcome here?” Taal had previously been suspended from Cornell for protesting, which could lead to losing his visa and being forced to leave the country.

Taal tried to fight his deportation legally, but a U.S. District Judge rejected his plea to stop the government from enforcing the visa revocation. Following the ruling, Taal decided to leave the U.S. on his own terms.

In a broader context, this situation highlights rising tensions surrounding free speech and activism on college campuses. A report by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding indicated that about 68% of American Muslims feel that they are treated unfairly in the U.S., underscoring the fear many face when expressing their beliefs.

Taal’s case is a clear example of the ongoing debate about immigration policies for students involved in controversial discussions. It raises questions not just about loyalty and advocacy but also about the limits of free expression in an increasingly polarized environment.



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