From a legal struggle to a graduation milestone.
Mohsen Mahadawi, a protester from Columbia University, was seen walking across the graduation stage on Monday.
The 34-year-old, draped in a kefiyeh, paused as he heard cheers from some of his fellow graduates.
A legal permanent resident, Mahadawi faced questioning from federal authorities during an interview on April 14 regarding his pursuit of U.S. citizenship.
The Trump administration previously accused him of making “threatening rhetoric and blackmail” towards Jewish students amid protests at Columbia centered on Israel.
He was released two weeks later by a judge and took the opportunity during his graduation to criticize the current administration.
“The Trump administration wanted to take this opportunity from me. They wanted me to be in prison, in prison clothes, without education, and stripped of any joy or celebration,” said Mahadawi. “It’s a very complicated feeling.”
While Mahadawi has not been charged with any crimes, he and other students have claimed that they face potential deportation for beliefs that may conflict with U.S. foreign policy.
With post wire
