Columbia student Yunseo Chung fights deportation over protest involvement

In the United States, Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old permanent resident and Columbia University student, is facing deportation following her participation in pro-Palestinian protests on campus. The troubles began after her arrest on March 5, 2025, during a demonstration at Barnard College, where Chung confronted perceived university injustices against student protesters. Following this incident, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) signed a warrant for her arrest on March 8, intensifying fears about her status. Chung's legal team argues that her current predicament results from government actions driven by her political beliefs and constitutionally protected protests. Chung has resided in the United States since the age of seven, making the potential deportation a significant concern, as she fights to protect her rights in a notable legal battle. Supporters of Chung's cause, including various civil liberties organizations, maintain that she is being targeted because of her vocal stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The lawsuit she has filed claims that the Trump administration’s crackdown on student protests and targeting of students with green cards is part of a broader national trend of suppressing dissent against political views that diverge from government policy. The situation raises questions about First Amendment rights. The context surrounding Chung's case is similar to that of Mahmoud Khalil, another student facing deportation following pro-Palestinian activism. Both cases exemplify the current administration's alleged efforts to suppress free speech among university students discussing sensitive geopolitical issues. The Department of Homeland Security has echoed concerns about Chung's involvement in demonstrations, asserting that it constitutes