Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old permanent resident (also known as green card holders), who resides in Queens, NY, is suing the Trump administration. She is a rising junior at Columbia University. Recently, the federal government revoked her status as a lawful permanent resident, opening the door for immigration officials to deport her. Late on Monday, Chung filed a lawsuit. She contends that the government is treating immigration enforcement as a tool to chill any speech they find unpalatable. A Manhattan-based federal judge has temporarily prevented U.S. officials from detaining her as the fight moves through the courts.
Having moved to the United States when she was seven, Yunseo Chung has always viewed the U.S. as home. Through the decades, she’s forged strong ties to this land. Of course, she graduated as her high school class valedictorian. Now at Columbia University, she remains passionately active in a number of extracurriculars, from the campus literary magazine to the undergraduate law journal. After all these successes, Chung now stands to be deported from the only country she’s ever known.
The legal dispute arose after Chung was identified in news reports as part of a group of protesters arrested following a sit-in at Barnard College's library. This member organization connected with Columbia University. During the protest, Chung received a citation for "obstruction of governmental administration," a charge commonly associated with demonstrations. Although she did not assume a high-profile role or make public statements, Chung did visit the Gaza solidarity encampment for discussions and events.
Chung’s lawsuit argues that her deportation proceedings are part of the government’s efforts to silence dissenting voices. Chung’s victory Chung’s success at having the federal judge block her detainment is a first step toward success for both Chung and her legal team. Jordan Wells, an attorney with the Institute for Justice, which joined the case pro-bono, explained the case.
"May the day never come when the secretary of state is allowed to single out a college student for banishment from the United States because of political protest." – Jordan Wells
"At the very least, we are relieved on behalf of our client that day is not today." – Jordan Wells
Chung’s deep involvement in campus activities is a testimony to her strong advocacy for academic excellence and civic engagement. Her participation in both the literary magazine and law journal demonstrates her dedication to exploring diverse ideas within the university community. She participated, but she was not the kind of intermediary between the protesters and the university that the university needed. This proves out her minimal involvement in leading the sit-in.
The case highlights larger issues about the state of immigration enforcement and the state of free speech in America. As Chung fights to remain in the United States, her situation underscores the potential consequences faced by individuals engaged in political protest. This ongoing legal battle has the potential to set a new precedent. It will affect the way immigration enforcement agencies are required to pursue such cases in the future.