Korean American student, Yunseo Chung, along with several others, is opposing the Trump administration’s efforts to deport them due to their pro-Palestinian activism.
Yunseo Chung’s lawyer, Ramzi Kassem, expressed relief after the court ruling, stating that Chung no longer has to fear Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents coming to her doorstep.
US District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald highlighted that the government lawyers had not provided sufficient facts about their claims against detaining Chung. The judge also mentioned that it was not clear why Chung would pose potentially severe foreign policy consequences, as cited in her case and those of other student protesters.
The ruling in favor of Chung, who has been a US resident since she was 7 years old and holds permanent residency, represents a small victory in her broader lawsuit. This lawsuit aims to prevent the US government from deporting non-citizens who participated in pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses.
Chung’s supporters quietly watched the court hearing, and a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security stated that she is being sought for removal proceedings due to “concerning conduct,” including her arrest at a protest.
Chung states in her lawsuit that ICE agents are attempting to deport her following her arrest on March 5 while protesting Columbia University’s disciplinary actions against student protesters. Her permanent residence status in the US has also been revoked.
Chung’s lawsuit mentions a larger pattern of US government repression of protected activities and forms of speech. It cites the Trump administration’s attempts to deport other international students.
Among the other cases is Mahmoud Khalil, a recent graduate from Columbia University facing deportation for his role in pro-Palestinian protests. He is also challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to remove him from the country.
Another student up for deportation is Cornell University’s Momodou Taal, who is also suing the US government for attempting to deport him.
Badar Khan Suri, an Indian student at Georgetown University, faces a similar situation and remains detained. However, a federal judge has temporarily barred his deportation.
