Immigration officials have arrested a second pro-Palestinian protester, Leqaa Kordia, and revoked the visa of another student, Ranjani Srinivasan. Mahmoud Khalil, a known activist, is also facing deportation after arrest. These events are part of a broader issue regarding political expression at universities and immigration enforcement practices.

Immigration officials have detained a second individual involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and revoked the visa of another student, as reported on Friday. Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian national from the West Bank, was apprehended for overstaying her student visa, which had been terminated in January 2022 due to a lack of attendance. Kordia had previously been arrested for her participation in protests at the university in April 2024.

Additionally, Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student, had her visa revoked on March 5 for allegedly advocating violence and terrorism. Srinivasan subsequently chose to self-deport, as stated by the Department of Homeland Security. These events follow the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist facing deportation, further intensifying concerns about the treatment of political activists.

Khalil’s legal representation described his transfer from New York to Louisiana under troubling circumstances. His lawyers indicated that he felt as though he was subjected to kidnapping by unidentified agents. Documentation submitted reflects his treatment while in custody, stating that he was confined in an uncomfortable environment, lacking basic amenities such as a pillow or blanket.

In light of Khalil’s activism, which has made him a significant figure in Columbia’s protests against Israeli actions in Gaza, the federal government has reacted sharply. President Donald Trump publically endorsed Khalil’s arrest, asserting it signaled a broader initiative to deport students engaged in what he termed pro-terrorism activities. This assertion raises serious queries about free political expression on college campuses.

The legal action initiated by Khalil’s attorneys argues against the legality of his detention. The Justice Department defended the actions taken under laws permitting the Secretary of State to expel individuals believed to pose risks to foreign policy. They have also urged the court to dismiss the lawsuit or relocate it to a jurisdiction aligned with Khalil’s present detention venue.

Khalil’s representatives have expressed frustration over the lack of communication allowed since his arrest, highlighting that he was forcibly taken while returning home from a social gathering. Notably, during his detention, Khalil was not permitted to make phone calls or receive basic legal representation, raising significant legal and ethical concerns regarding his confinement.

As Khalil now remains in a Louisiana detention facility, he is troubled not only about his own circumstances but also for his pregnant wife. With preparations for welcoming their first child imminent, Khalil’s situation has compounded personal anxieties regarding his absence from key family events and future employment opportunities related to the arrival of their child.

In summary, the arrests and visa revocations involving pro-Palestinian activists at Columbia University have sparked significant legal and ethical debates regarding immigration policies and freedom of expression. Leqaa Kordia and Ranjani Srinivasan are among those affected, while Mahmoud Khalil’s controversial detention raises serious concerns about the treatment of political activists. The unfolding legal struggles could have lasting implications for political speech and refugee rights in the United States.

Original Source: www.scrippsnews.com

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