New York, NY – Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old Columbia University student and legal U.S. resident, is now facing potential deportation following her participation in pro-Palestine protests—a case that has sparked concerns over free speech rights and immigration enforcement.
Chung, who immigrated from South Korea at the age of seven, has lived in the United States for most of her life and was a high school valedictorian before attending Columbia. However, her recent involvement in peaceful demonstrations has reportedly drawn the attention of Homeland Security agents, who are now pursuing her deportation over what her legal team describes as a minor protest-related misdemeanor.
According to Columbia University officials, Chung did not violate any school policies during the protests, raising questions about the motivations behind her deportation case. Legal experts and civil rights advocates argue that her situation reflects a broader crackdown on political activism, particularly under enforcement strategies outlined in the Trump-era ICE playbook.
Chung’s legal team is fighting back, contending that this case is part of a growing effort to intimidate activists and suppress constitutionally protected speech. Immigration law specialists have also expressed concerns that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, allowing authorities to weaponize immigration status against dissenting voices.
Civil rights organizations, including the ACLU and immigrant advocacy groups, have condemned the move