Leqa Kord had already faced legal problems previously, related to his participation in demonstrations in favor of Palestine at Columbia University
The immigration authorities of They detained Leqa Kordia, a Palestine in the country with a student visa. The document was canceled in January 2022, after the student was considered absent in academic activities. Kordia had already faced legal problems previously, related to her participation in demonstrations in favor of Palestine at Columbia University. Another student, Ranjani Srinivasan, a citizen of India, also had his visa revoked. She was accused of promoting violence and terrorism, choosing to leave the country voluntarily after the revocation of her doctoral visa. These actions reflect hardening in immigration policies in relation to international students.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that the revocation of students’ visas will become a more common practice. Protests at Columbia University, which occurred amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, were the target of criticism from the Trump administration, who pledged to act against non -citizens who manifest themselves against war. This stance has generated negative reactions of opposition groups and civil rights advocates, which consider these measures an affront to freedom of expression. In response to protests, Columbia University decided to apply disciplinary sanctions to students involved in the demonstrations, including expulsions and suspensions.
The punishments were determined by the institution’s judicial council, as a result of the occupation of a historical building. The university chose not to disclose the names of punished students, in accordance with federal privacy laws. In addition, ICE agents have made visits to students’ homes, but so far new arrests have been recorded.
Posted by Sarah Paula
*Report produced with the aid of AI
