For example, 22-year-old Associated Press staffer Emily Wilder was fired in May 2021 after the right-wing media resurfaced a pro-Palestinian statement made while at university.
Most recently, in March, President Donald Trump’s administration detained Le Mesa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student studying at Tufts University, and stripped her of her visa.
Her supporters say she only co-authored something critically critical of the university’s refusal to “accept the Palestinian massacre.” Although she has been released from government custody, she continues to face deportation proceedings.
A cultural writer and critic spoke to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, explaining that he feared that talking about issues like the war in Gaza could put the situation on workplace visas in the US.
In addition to his work as a writer, he has a background in film and television, and has served as director, screenwriter and editor for several international projects.
“In the last few months I have felt this overwhelming guilt. I feel like I’m choosing to speak out about my safety. It’s the first time I’ve ever felt that way,” he said.
“I wore a Palestinian kefier and did some in-camera interviews at the BBC, which I was very frank.
He added that despite his status as a permanent resident, he has Green Cards and friends who were unexpectedly interrogated when he re-entered the United States.
“After Trump’s reelection, I told myself, “This time, I’m not going to keep up with my anger or frustration. I’m just going to keep my head down and keep moving forward,” he said.
Celine Pareñas, dean of UCLA Theatre, Film and Television Schools, believes that voices like Nuguen can help break the silence that arises from such crackdowns and threats.
“Critic praise,” she explained, “enable creativity in response to the power that silences us.”
But she also warned that the author cannot fully protect the author from the lost damages of reputation and opportunity.
“Critical or professional admiration does not provide a real shield against the fundamental depersonalization of racism,” Pareñas Shimiz said.
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