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Cornell Student Departs U.S. After Losing Legal Fight Over Visa Revocation

Momodou Taal, a pro-Palestinian activist, left the country voluntarily following a judge's ruling against his bid to block deportation, intensifying debates on free speech and civil liberties.

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Muslim protestors pray outside the main campus of Columbia University during a demonstration to denounce the immigration arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist who helped lead protests against Israel at the university, in New York City, U.S., March 14, 2025. REUTERS/David Dee Delgado/File Photo/File Photo
People hold signs as they participate in a protest in support of Columbia University student activist Mahmoud Khalil while a hearing takes place, outside the court in Newark, New Jersey, on March 28, 2025.
Goldwin Smith Hall at the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, N.Y., in 2023.

Overview

  • Momodou Taal, a Cornell University PhD student, left the U.S. after his visa was revoked for participating in pro-Palestinian protests and making controversial social media posts.
  • A federal judge denied Taal's request to halt his deportation or block enforcement of Trump administration executive orders targeting foreign activists.
  • Taal cited fears for his safety and inability to freely express his beliefs as reasons for voluntarily leaving the country.
  • His departure highlights the Trump administration's broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus activism, which has resulted in over 300 student visa revocations.
  • Taal's case has reignited discussions over the balance between national security measures and constitutional protections for free speech and academic freedom.