Palestinian Student Arrested During U.S. Citizenship Interview Over Pro-Palestine Protest Involvement

By International Desk . April 16, 2025 . Washington, D.C.

A Palestinian student residing in the United States for nearly a decade was arrested Tuesday while attending an interview for U.S. citizenship. The student, Mohsin Mahdawi, reportedly faced detention and subsequent arrest due to his alleged participation in protests against the Gaza war.

According to legal sources, Mahdawi, a green card holder since 2015, arrived at the U.S. State Immigration Office in Vermont to undergo the final step in his naturalization process. However, upon entering the office for the interview, he was detained by authorities and later formally arrested following an extended interrogation.

Mahdawi is an alumnus of Columbia University, where he completed his undergraduate studies, and he was reportedly preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in the U.S.

His legal representative, Luna Droubi, has condemned the arrest, calling it a violation of constitutional rights. “This action was taken solely because of his vocal support for Palestinians,” Droubi stated. “It is a clear and troubling infringement on the First Amendment and raises questions about the targeting of individuals based on political expression.”

The arrest has sparked concern among civil rights groups and student communities, particularly at institutions with large international student populations. Many fear it could set a precedent for suppressing free speech related to global human rights issues.

As of now, U.S. immigration authorities have not publicly commented on the incident. Mahdawi’s legal team is reportedly preparing to challenge the arrest in court.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions around freedom of expression and immigration enforcement, particularly in cases involving activism and dissent related to international conflicts