Yunseo Chung

Yunseo Chung is a Columbia student and permanent U.S. resident, who was facing imminent threat of being detained, transferred, and deported from the U.S. for speaking up for Palestine and her fellow students. On March 24, CLEAR filed an emergency motion to block ICE’s attempts to unlawfully detain Yunseo. While the government was adamant about wanting to detain Yunseo, the court agreed with Yunseo’s legal team that a 21-year old college student, who poses no risk, should be free. On March 25, a federal judge heard the request and did the right thing by temporarily blocking ICE from detaining Yunseo. 

This is not only a win for Yunseo, but a win for anyone who practices their right to free speech, advocating for a Free Palestine.

“After the constant dread in the back of my mind over the past few weeks, this decision feels like a million pounds off of my chest. I feel like I could fly. I’m so, so grateful to my legal team and my community of professors, students, and staff at Columbia that have given me strength at every turn.”

– Yunseo Chung

“Like many thousands of students nationwide, Yunseo raised her voice against what is happening in Gaza and in support of fellow students facing unfair discipline. It can’t be the case that a straight-A student who has lived here most of her life can be whisked away and potentially deported, all because she dares to speak up.”

– Naz Ahmad, Co-Director