Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian refugee raised in Syria, found himself at the center of a dilemma when he wanted to get involved in campus activism against Israel’s war in Gaza. Being on an F-1 student visa in the US, participating in protests could risk his enrollment status. Despite this, Khalil became a negotiator for Columbia University Apartheid Divest, advocating for Palestinian rights. However, he was initially suspended by the university for his alleged participation in a campus encampment. The suspension was later rescinded, but legal experts warn that even temporary suspensions could lead to issues with immigration status for student-visa holders.
The charged political atmosphere surrounding the protests has led some international students to avoid direct involvement, fearing repercussions on their immigration status. Criticism of Israel is sensitive in the US, with politicians raising concerns about violence and anti-Semitic hate. Some students have opted for peripheral roles in protests, offering support instead of direct participation.
The crackdown on campus protests and the threat of suspension have had a chilling effect on international students, with many feeling the need to be cautious in their activism. The fear of potential consequences for immigration status has forced some students to scale back their involvement in protests, despite their convictions. The situation highlights the challenges faced by international students in balancing their activism with the risk of jeopardizing their ability to stay in the country.
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