Momodou Taal, a Cornell University graduate student, announced that he will be leaving the U.S. voluntarily after his visa was revoked following his involvement in a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its actions against pro-Palestinian student protesters. Taal, a dual citizen of the UK and Gambia, stated that he made the decision to leave due to concerns for his safety and ability to express his beliefs in the country. The lawsuit, filed last month with two U.S. citizens, challenged the administration’s executive orders targeting anti-Semitism on college campuses and expelling foreign nationals deemed national security threats. After the DOJ asked Taal to surrender to immigration authorities, his visa was revoked, prompting his decision to leave.
The lawsuit was dismissed following Taal’s announcement, with his lawyer citing the government’s lack of respect for the judiciary and rule of law. Taal expressed concern over the administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for stifling dissent. The revocation of at least 300 student visas, including that of Turkish national Rumeysa Ozturk and green card-holder Mahmoud Khalil who was detained, highlights the broader implications of the government’s actions. Despite the unfavorable outcome, Taal believes that leaving on his own terms was the best option given the circumstances.
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