By Sarah Baafi
Momodou Taal, a Cornell University Ph.D. student and dual citizen of the UK and Gambia, has left the United States following the revocation of his student visa due to his participation in pro-Palestinian protests. Taal, who had been studying Africana Studies, announced his decision on social media, stating he chose to leave “free and with my head held high” after a federal judge denied his request to delay deportation proceedings.
The Trump administration has intensified efforts to deport international students involved in protests deemed adversarial to U.S. foreign policy. Taal’s activism included demonstrations against Israel’s military actions during the 2023 Israel-Gaza conflict and protests targeting defense contractors at Cornell. These activities led to two suspensions from the university, which subsequently impacted his F-1 visa status, setting deportation procedures into motion.
Taal’s case has sparked widespread criticism from activists and lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Jamaal Bowman, who condemned Cornell’s actions as a violation of free speech. Both urged the university to reverse its suspension of Taal, arguing that peaceful protest is a fundamental right that should be protected on college campuses. Taal’s attorney also criticized Cornell for knowingly subjecting him to immigration consequences through disciplinary measures.
The broader crackdown on international student activists has raised concerns about academic freedom and civil liberties in the U.S. Critics argue that such measures suppress dissent while disproportionately targeting marginalized groups, including Black and Muslim students like Taal. His departure underscores growing fears among foreign nationals about their ability to safely express political views while studying in the U.S.
Source:BBC
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