• Cornell doctoral candidate Momodou Taal voluntarily left the U.S. after his student visa was revoked due to involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, citing safety concerns and lack of confidence in the judicial system.
• U.S. officials justified the visa revocation, claiming Taal’s actions, including social media posts supporting resistance movements, violated policies and fostered a hostile environment.
• Taal’s case underscores the impact of executive orders targeting international student activists, raising concerns about free speech and academic freedom.

A Cornell University doctoral candidate, Momodou Taal, announced his decision to leave the United States voluntarily after his student visa was revoked following his involvement in pro-Palestinian campus protests. Taal, 31, cited concerns for his safety and a lack of confidence in the judicial system after a judge declined to block deportation measures against him.

Visa Revocation Sparks Controversy

Taal, pursuing a doctorate in Africana Studies, had his visa annulled over what U.S. officials described as participation in “disruptive protests,” violations of university policies, and fostering a hostile environment for Jewish students. According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, Taal’s actions, including online statements supporting resistance movements, warranted immediate action.

“It is a privilege to hold a visa to live and study in the United States,” a DHS senior official stated to CNN. “When that privilege is abused by advocating violence or supporting terrorism, it should be revoked.”

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Taal faced scrutiny for social media posts made after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which left more than 1,200 people dead. He tweeted statements such as “colonized peoples have the right to resist by any means necessary” and “Glory to the resistance!” His critics, including conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups, argued that such comments encouraged violence.

Legal Efforts Denied by Judge

In an attempt to halt deportation proceedings, Taal filed a legal request asking U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Coombe to prevent the government from deporting him and to suspend two executive orders that have intensified monitoring and enforcement of international students involved in activism. However, Judge Coombe rejected both requests last week.

Taal’s attorney, Eric Lee, expressed disappointment, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “What is America if people like Momodou are not welcome here? Onward to the next fight.” Lee did not respond to The Dupree Report’s request for comment.

Taal’s Decision to Leave the U.S.

Faced with mounting public criticism and legal setbacks, Taal announced on social media his voluntary departure from the country. “I have lost faith I could walk the streets without being abducted,” he wrote, explaining his decision to leave on his own terms rather than endure further legal battles.

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Taal, who holds dual citizenship in the United Kingdom and The Gambia, plans to continue his activism abroad. He noted in his post that the “current crackdown” on pro-Palestinian activism has eroded his trust in the U.S. legal system. “Given what we’ve seen across the United States, I no longer believe a favorable court ruling would guarantee my personal safety,” he wrote.

Previous Suspensions and University Actions

Taal’s visa had been at risk for some time. Cornell University suspended him twice in 2023 for participating in protests deemed disruptive by campus authorities. While Taal disputed the suspensions, the university warned him that the disciplinary actions could impact his visa status. His academic standing and ability to remain in the U.S. have been under scrutiny ever since.

In a November 2023 interview with CNN, Taal addressed criticism of his remarks following the Hamas-Israel conflict. He argued that demands for him to condemn Hamas were rooted in “racism” and “Islamophobia,” and added that he opposes the killing of civilians under any circumstances. “I can say clearly and categorically, I abhor the killing of civilians, no matter where they are or who does it,” he said.

Implications of Executive Orders

Taal’s case highlights the growing impact of two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, which have bolstered enforcement measures targeting international students involved in activism. Critics argue these policies disproportionately affect students advocating for Palestinian rights, raising concerns about freedom of speech and academic freedom on U.S. campuses.

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