A PhD candidate at Cornell University, Momodou Taal, is facing deportation after his student visa was revoked by the Trump administration. Taal, who holds dual citizenship in Gambia and the United Kingdom, is known for his strong anti-American views and is involved in a lawsuit aimed at blocking the enforcement of executive orders targeting foreign nationals who protested against Israel at U.S. universities.
Taal has been an outspoken activist, focusing on topics like Marxism, Islam, anti-colonialism, and Pan-Africanism. He recently expressed his commitment to fighting against oppression, stating, “We cannot allow international students, faculty, immigrants and people of conscience to live in fear.” He expects a lengthy legal battle but remains hopeful for victory.
On Friday, Taal received an email from the Trump administration informing him that his visa had been revoked, and he was no longer welcome in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has asked him to surrender voluntarily. His legal team claims the visa revocation is retaliation for his lawsuit against the administration.
Supporters of Taal argue that his visa cancellation is unprecedented and politically motivated. Hundreds of Cornell students and faculty rallied in his support, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom and free speech on campus. Professor Risa Lieberwitz stated, “We will act together collectively to push back and to protect our colleagues, our students, and our staff.”
Critics of Taal point to his history of inflammatory statements against the U.S. In 2022, he wrote, “The end of the US in our lifetime in sha Allah [God willing],” and has made comments expressing support for groups like Hamas. Following recent attacks in Israel, Taal voiced his support for resistance movements, further fueling controversy.
Taal’s situation is reminiscent of another case involving Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student whose green card was revoked for similar reasons. Taal’s lawyer, Maria Kari, has called the government’s actions a serious threat to free speech in America, arguing that punishing individuals for their opinions is alarming.
The Trump administration defends its actions as necessary for national security, asserting that immigration is a privilege, not a right. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized those defending Taal’s free speech rights, stating that promoting terrorism or participating in campus violence will not be tolerated in the U.S. As this case unfolds, it raises significant questions about the balance between free expression and national security.