NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
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. News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Key terms
Green card — a document that allows a person to live and work in the United States permanently
WARM-UP 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.
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
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.
Written by Gianfranco Beran, PBS News Hour Classroom's production assistant, and News Hour's Victoria Pasquantonio.
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