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Cornell Student to Voluntarily Leave US After Visa Revocation Amid Trump Administration Lawsuit
A Cornell University graduate student, Momodou Taal, whose student visa was rescinded following his involvement in a legal challenge against the Trump administration over its actions targeting pro-Palestinian campus demonstrations, has declared his voluntary departure from the United States. Taal, a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and Gambia, cited concerns over personal safety and faith in the legal system as reasons for his decision amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding student protests and visa revocations.
Departure Announcement on Social Media
Taal communicated his decision to leave the country “freely and with dignity” in a statement posted on his X account. He expressed a loss of confidence in the ability of the courts to ensure his safety and freedom of expression given the current climate in the U.S.
Concerns over Personal Safety and Freedom of Expression
“Considering recent events across the United States, I have lost confidence that a favorable court ruling would guarantee my personal security and ability to voice my opinions,” Taal stated. “I no longer believe I could walk the streets without fear of abduction. After evaluating these factors, I decided to leave on my own terms.”
Legal Challenge Against Trump Administration Policies
Taal, 31, emphasized that this outcome was not his desired result when he initiated a lawsuit the previous month against the Trump administration. He joined two U.S. citizens—a Cornell professor and a doctoral candidate—in challenging the administration’s executive orders aimed at “combating anti-semitism” on university campuses and expelling foreign nationals deemed national security risks.
Lawsuit Allegations of Suppressed Expression
In the legal action, Taal and the co-plaintiffs contended that the administration’s broad directives “unconstitutionally silenced Plaintiffs and chilled protected expression.” They argued these orders prevented them from expressing, hearing, or engaging with perspectives critical of the U.S. government or the Israeli government, under threat of potential criminal charges or deportation.
Visa Revocations and Pro-Palestinian Movement
The administration has reportedly revoked at least 300 student visas of foreign-born individuals, predominantly those involved in the pro-Palestinian movement that gained momentum on campuses last year. Turkish citizen Rumeysa Ozturk is among those affected. Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder, was also detained and has been held in Louisiana following his arrest in March.
Lawsuit Intended to Provide Protection
Taal explained that his initial aim in suing the Trump administration was to secure protection for himself and others in similar vulnerable positions. However, shortly after the lawsuit was filed, the Department of Justice requested Taal to surrender to immigration authorities.
Actions Against Taal and Legal Setbacks
Taal and his attorney, Eric Lee, reported that the administration deployed ICE agents to his residence, revoked his student visa, and took steps to obstruct the progression of the lawsuit through the courts. Lee stated that unidentified officials appeared outside Taal’s student housing and inquired about him before university staff intervened and asked them to leave. ICE has not yet issued a public response to requests for comment.
Taal noted that the initial motion in the lawsuit was rejected. A second filing was planned to prevent his detention while the legal proceedings continued. However, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed Monday evening for all three plaintiffs following Taal’s public announcement, according to Lee, speaking to NBC News.
Response to Lawsuit Dismissal
“This is certainly not the result I had hoped for,” Taal stated on X, “but we are confronting a government that demonstrates a lack of respect for the judiciary and the rule of law.”
White House Silence
The White House has not yet issued a response to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit’s dismissal and Taal’s statement.
Warning of Dangerous Precedent
Taal concluded his online statement by warning that the administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists establishes a perilous precedent.
“The suppression of Palestinian solidarity is now being utilized to initiate a comprehensive assault on any form of expression that challenges oppressive and exploitative systems in the U.S.,” he wrote.