Trump Admin Targets Palestinian Student Who Organized On-Campus Protests of Gaza War
Ask students: Where did Khalil help organize on-campus protests? Why did the Trump administration revoke Khalil's green card and arrest him?
A former student at Columbia University in New York was arrested by immigration authorities despite having a green card. Mahmoud Khalil, who helped organize on-campus protests against Israel’s war on Gaza, was seized, according to President Trump, for espousing pro-Hamas views. William Brangham discussed more with Abed Ayoub of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.
View the transcript of the story.
Key Term
Green card — a document that allows a person to live and work in the United States permanently
Discussion Questions
- Who is Mahmoud Khalil?
- Why was Khalil arrested?
- Where did Khalil help organize on-campus protests?
- Why did the Trump administration revoke Khalil's green card and arrest him?
- What ruling did a New York judge make about Khalil's immigration status?
Focus Questions
Abed Ayoub, the national director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, says that Mahmoud Khalil's arrest should be an alarming concern for all Americans, not just those standing up for Palestine. Why do you think Ayoub connects Khalil's arrest to larger civil rights questions? How do you think a presidential administration might abuse the power to export green card holders? Explain your response.
Media literacy: Can you think of another case where someone has been arrested for exercising their right to protest? Compare the similarities and differences with Khalil's case and share your thoughts with a classmate.
Extension Activity
Read this article for more details and background on Mahmoud Khalil and his arrest.
Watch the video below of student journalists discussing last year's college campus protests of Israel and the war in Gaza. Then, complete this daily news lesson.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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