Cornell Student Activist Momodou Taal Leaves U.S. After Visa Revocation

Momodou Taal, a dual citizen of the U.K. and Gambia and a doctoral student at Cornell University, has decided to leave the U.S. after his visa was revoked following his participation in pro-Palestinian activism. Initially facing suspension, Taal was allowed to remain at Cornell until the Trump administration's visa revocation, which he described as a response to his involvement in protests deemed disruptive and antisemitic. Taal expressed a loss of faith in the legal system to protect him, stating he felt unsafe and unable to express his beliefs freely. He filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration but withdrew it, citing concerns for his safety. Taal's case highlights a broader trend of targeting international students involved in political activism related to Palestine, with reports indicating that over 300 student visas have been revoked under similar circumstances. His departure underscores the challenges faced by foreign nationals in the U.S. amid increasing scrutiny of dissenting voices.