After being freed from prison, Palestinian student Mohsen Mahdawi is helping launch a legal aid initiative for immigrants in Vermont. His arrest during a citizenship interview drew national attention. Now, he’s channeling that experience into supporting others at risk of deportation through the Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund.
From Detention to Advocacy
A Palestinian-born Columbia University student recently released from prison is now using his experience to champion immigrant rights. Mohsen Mahdawi, 34, is set to help unveil the Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund, a community-led initiative to expand access to legal support for immigrants. The announcement is scheduled for Thursday at the Vermont Statehouse, where State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale, and a coalition of legal and community advocates will join Mahdawi.
The initiative seeks to improve legal infrastructure surrounding immigration issues in Vermont by providing timely legal aid and fostering long-term support systems for immigrants facing removal or legal challenges.
A Controversial Detention
Mahdawi, a U.S. green card holder and prominent voice in pro-Palestinian campus protests at Columbia University, was detained last month during what was supposed to be his final citizenship interview. Federal agents took him into custody at the immigration office in Vermont after he had completed a citizenship test and pledged allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.
He spent 16 days in prison before a federal judge ordered his release, stating that Mahdawi had presented a valid claim that his arrest may have been politically motivated to suppress free speech. His arrest drew widespread condemnation from Vermont lawmakers and immigration advocates, who criticized the manner and timing of his detention.
Support And Political Response
The case has sparked outrage from both state and federal lawmakers. Vermont’s legislature passed resolutions demanding his release and condemning the nature of his detention. Governor Phil Scott publicly criticized the federal government’s conduct, stressing that immigration enforcement should operate transparently and not intimidate lawful residents.
Mahdawi faces an uncertain legal path despite his release as the federal government challenges the judge’s ruling. However, the court’s decision allows him to travel within and beyond Vermont—enabling him to attend his Columbia University graduation later this month.
A Deeper Legal Struggle
Mahdawi’s experience is emblematic of a broader trend. Since the Trump administration resumed power, immigration enforcement has increased, including the detention of student activists involved in protests over the Israel-Hamas war. Many believe these arrests are politically driven and aimed at silencing dissent among immigrant communities.
Mahdawi was one of the first to fight his detention in court successfully. His co-founder of the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia, Mahmoud Khalil, also remains entangled in legal challenges following his arrest in March.
For Mahdawi, the fight continues—not just for his freedom but for protecting others like him. By helping launch the Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund, he aims to ensure that more immigrants have the legal tools and support to stand up for their rights.
What’s Next?
As the Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund takes shape, its leaders hope to build a sustainable model for immigrant advocacy in the state. Mahdawi’s transition from detainee to advocate could serve as a symbol of resilience and resistance in the face of politically motivated immigration enforcement. The weeks ahead will determine how the legal system responds to the growing scrutiny of immigration practices—and whether this new initiative will become a national model for reform.
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