Momodou Taal decided to leave America rather than keep fighting his deportation case. The Gambian-British student from Cornell University had sued to stop the Trump administration from forcing him out because he supported Palestine. He announced his departure yesterday through social media. Taal thanked everyone who helped him, especially his legal team.
He wrote that everything he did aimed to support Palestinian humanity, which deeply affected him. Taal explained he chose to exit the United States freely with pride. His lawsuit against the Trump administration hoped to help himself and others facing similar situations. Instead, ICE agents came to his home and canceled his visa before he could have his day in court.
Their first legal motion failed, and they planned to file another request to keep him out of detention during the lawsuit. Taal lost faith that even a positive court ruling would protect his safety or freedom to express his views. He feared walking outside without being seized. After considering these factors, he left America on his terms.
The Trump administration has targeted international students active in campus protests against Israel. Taal represents at least the second international student choosing to leave after being marked for removal by Homeland Security. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week that the government revoked student visas from at least 300 university students because they joined pro-Palestinian protests.
He wrote that everything he did aimed to support Palestinian humanity, which deeply affected him. Taal explained he chose to exit the United States freely with pride. His lawsuit against the Trump administration hoped to help himself and others facing similar situations. Instead, ICE agents came to his home and canceled his visa before he could have his day in court.
Their first legal motion failed, and they planned to file another request to keep him out of detention during the lawsuit. Taal lost faith that even a positive court ruling would protect his safety or freedom to express his views. He feared walking outside without being seized. After considering these factors, he left America on his terms.
The Trump administration has targeted international students active in campus protests against Israel. Taal represents at least the second international student choosing to leave after being marked for removal by Homeland Security. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week that the government revoked student visas from at least 300 university students because they joined pro-Palestinian protests.
