Published: March 25, 2025
Background
Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old junior at Columbia University, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging attempts to revoke her lawful permanent resident status and deport her following her participation in pro-Palestinian protests on campus. Originally from South Korea, Chung has been a permanent U.S. resident since 2021.
Incident Leading to Legal Action
Earlier this month, Chung was among nine individuals arrested after occupying the Millstein Library at Barnard College during a demonstration against the university’s disciplinary actions toward pro-Palestinian activists. The group faced charges including disorderly conduct, trespassing, and obstructing governmental administration.
Legal Claims
Chung’s lawsuit describes the government’s actions as a “shocking overreach” and an “unprecedented and unjustifiable assault” on her rights. The suit contends that the attempt to deport her is part of a broader pattern by the administration to suppress constitutionally protected protest activities and retaliate against activists. The lawsuit names President Donald Trump, Senator Marco Rubio, and Governor Kristi Noem, highlighting Rubio’s support for revoking the visas of protest participants.
Broader Context
This case has heightened concerns among international students at Columbia University, who fear for their legal status amid the administration’s crackdown on activists. The lawsuit also references similar actions taken against other pro-Palestinian activists, such as Mahmoud Khalil, indicating a pattern of targeting immigrants involved in such demonstrations.
