Cornell Student Faces Deportation After Pro-Palestinian Activism

Momodou Taal, a British-Gambian Ph.D. student, alleges his visa revocation and deportation proceedings are politically motivated and suppress free speech.

Momodou Taal's student visa was revoked by the U.S. State Department on March 14, 2025, citing 'disruptive protests' and 'creating a hostile environment for Jewish students.'
Taal has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, claiming his deportation is political retribution for his pro-Palestinian activism and a violation of his First Amendment rights.
Cornell University suspended Taal for disruptive behavior, but the university did not initiate the visa revocation, which was carried out by federal authorities.
Taal's legal team argues that the U.S. government is weaponizing visa revocations to suppress political dissent among international students, particularly those advocating for Palestinian rights.
Taal is scheduled to appear before Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 25, 2025, as deportation proceedings move forward, while he remains resolute in his activism.