Students around the world, especially those with personal connections to the region, have been deeply moved by the ongoing crisis in Gaza and have responded with acts.

29-year-old Mahmoud Khalil is a refugee from Palestine who came to Columbia University and joined anti-war protests on campus. However, his engagement jeopardized his immigration status because he was an international student on an F-1 visa, a frequent predicament for individuals such as himself.

Navigating Immigration Risks in Activism

Khalil knew the risks, having grown up in Syria. His continued enrollment as a full-time student was required for his US stay. This meant avoiding actions that would result in suspension and risk his enrollment, such as the recent Columbia encampment protest.

As a negotiator for Columbia University Apartheid Divest, Khalil opted for a less conspicuous role despite his desire to be more actively involved. He supported cutting relations with Israel due to accusations of mistreatment of Palestinians.

Legal professionals emphasize that even brief bans for overseas students might have serious repercussions. Students no longer enrolled full-time may face deportation if their enrollment changes are not reported to the Department of Homeland Security.

Many students, including Khalil, are concerned about how to strike a balance between their immigrant status and their advocacy because of this legal risk.

The Impact of Political Sensitivities

There is an additional element of complexity due to the politically heated environment surrounding criticism of Israel. Post-9/11 laws such as the Patriot Act have the power to label some actions as "terrorist," which can hurt the rights and immigration opportunities of non-citizens. Due to the chilling impact of this increased surveillance, overseas students are less likely to participate in protests fully.

While many want to demonstrate their support, some choose to play supportive roles instead of getting directly involved, such as providing materials, out of fear of negative consequences, such as disciplinary proceedings and possible deportation.

This circumspect approach mirrors the difficult balancing act that foreign students must perform, divided between their moral principles and the necessities of preserving their legal status in a new land.

The mix of political sensitivities, legal risks, and personal convictions for overseas students involved in activism makes for a difficult atmosphere. Their experiences shed light on the intricacies and sacrifices frequently disregarded in the larger conversation about global solidarity movements and college protests.

FAQS

What actions can universities take against students involved in protests?

Students who participate in protests may face disciplinary measures from their universities, including warnings, suspensions, or expulsion. These acts may impact an international student's enrollment status and visa eligibility.

Are international students allowed to protest in the US?

Indeed, foreign students have many of the same civil rights as American citizens, including the right to free expression and the ability to demonstrate. Their involvement in protests may still have an impact on immigration, though.