A Korean student at Columbia University sued the federal government after immigration officials attempted to deport her for joining a protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The Korean student deportation case has sparked national attention for its legal and political implications.
According to the New York Times, Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old junior and legal permanent resident, filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and top administration officials. Her lawyers argue that the government’s actions violate her constitutional rights.
ICE Pursues Student After Barnard Protest
On March 5, Chung joined a pro-Palestinian protest outside a Barnard College building. Police arrested her for allegedly obstructing governmental administration and issued a desk appearance ticket. Four days later, ICE agents went to her parents’ home to arrest her.
The lawsuit outlines how ICE and federal prosecutors surveilled her, visited several homes, and searched her university residence on March 13. The warrants cited a federal harboring statute, typically used against people accused of sheltering undocumented immigrants.
Chung’s Legal Team Fights Korean Student Deportation
Chung’s legal team, including Naz Ahmad of the CLEAR legal clinic at City University of New York, asked a judge to block any arrest or deportation. They also requested the court prohibit targeting noncitizens for constitutionally protected speech or pro-Palestinian advocacy.
“Like many thousands of students nationwide, Yunseo raised her voice against what is happening in Gaza,” said Ahmad. “It can’t be the case that a straight-A student who has lived here most of her life can be whisked away and potentially deported, all because she dares to speak up.”
Federal Agents Investigate Columbia and Student Housing
Federal prosecutors launched an investigation into Columbia University, claiming the school harbored undocumented individuals. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said Columbia is under investigation for “harboring and concealing illegal aliens.” Prosecutors used the investigation to justify the search of Chung’s campus housing.
On March 10, federal prosecutor Perry Carbone told Ahmad that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had revoked Chung’s residency. Although Chung is a permanent resident, Carbone claimed Rubio had revoked that status as well.
The Korean student deportation case resembles that of Mahmoud Khalil, another Columbia student and legal resident. Agents arrested Khalil earlier this month and transferred him to Louisiana. Both cases reflect the administration’s broader effort to remove individuals it claims oppose U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Israel.
Background of Student at Center of Korean Student Deportation Case
Chung moved to the U.S. from South Korea at age 7. She was the valedictorian of her high school and now majors in English and gender studies. Though she took part in demonstrations, her lawyers say she did not act as a leader or spokesperson.
Chung remains in the U.S., but her attorneys have not revealed her current location.
BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
