Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student and activist, celebrated his graduation from Columbia University just weeks after being released from federal detention. He was arrested during a naturalization interview and faced deportation orders from the Trump administration without any charges. His graduation was marked by mixed emotions, as he expressed gratitude for the opportunity while lamenting the ongoing detainment of his classmate. Mahdawi criticized the university administration for compromising its values and participating in the broader political repression against international student activists.
The Trump administration wanted to rob me of this opportunity. They wanted me to be in a prison, in prison clothes, to not have education and to not have joy or celebration.
Federal officials have not accused Mahdawi of committing a crime, but argued that he and other student activists should be deported for beliefs that may undermine US foreign policy.
The senior administration is selling the soul of this university to the Trump administration, participating in the destruction and the degradation of our democracy.
It's very mixed emotions. Iâm thankful to be here but it's bittersweet knowing my classmate remains in federal custody.
#palestinian-activism #columbia-university #immigration-policy #trump-administration #student-rights
Collection
[
|
...
]