Judge Halts U.S. Deportation of Columbia Student Yunseo Chung

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to cease deportation efforts against Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old Columbia University student and legal permanent resident, who has been targeted for her involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. Chung's lawsuit argues that the government is using immigration enforcement as a tool to punish individuals for their political views, a claim echoed by critics who view these actions as an infringement on free speech. The administration contends that Chung's presence undermines U.S. foreign policy, a stance that has sparked widespread debate regarding academic freedom and the treatment of dissenting voices in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Supporters of Chung, including human rights advocates, argue that the government's actions are part of a broader pattern of repression against students expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Chung's case is particularly notable as it coincides with similar actions against another Columbia student, Mahmoud Khalil, who is also facing deportation linked to his protest activities. The ongoing legal battle highlights significant tensions surrounding free speech and immigration policy in the current political climate.