Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University and a green card holder, was recently detained by US immigration authorities during a naturalization interview in Vermont. This incident follows a recent ruling by a US judge that Mahmoud Khalil, another Columbia student, could face deportation from the US due to his beliefs. Mahdawi’s detention underscores a troubling trend affecting students and scholars in the US on visas or green cards who are increasingly facing threats of detainment and deportation. The case has sparked concerns among the academic community and advocates for immigrant rights.

These events highlight the precarious situation faced by individuals pursuing education and research in the US, with their legal status subject to sudden and potentially harsh enforcement actions. The detention of Mahdawi and the potential deportation of Khalil have galvanized support from Georgetown alumni and students, who are calling for the release of the detained scholar. As the list of affected individuals grows, there is a growing sense of urgency to address the challenges and uncertainties faced by foreign students and scholars in the current immigration landscape. The cases of Mahdawi and Khalil serve as poignant reminders of the human impact of immigration policies and the need for a more compassionate and equitable approach to addressing immigration issues in the US.