Greta Thunberg has thrown her support behind Usama Ghanem, a 21-year-old King’s College London student whose visa sponsorship was revoked alongside an indefinite suspension from the university. The decision places him at risk of deportation and possible removal from the country and has prompted urgent outcry from activists, student groups, and public figures who warn the move could endanger Ghanem’s safety if he is forced to return to his home country.
Public support and international attention
Thunberg, who has become a prominent voice in student and youth movements worldwide, backed Ghanem both online and in public remarks. She warned that the treatment of student activists in the UK raises broader questions about how universities respond to political expression.
Her involvement has amplified an already rising profile for the case, highlighting how a university’s decision on immigration sponsorship can immediately reshape a student’s future and security.
Who is Usama Ghanem and the core concerns
Ghanem is a pro-Palestine student at King’s College London and has said he fears for his safety if deported, citing potential risks in his country of origin. He has been active in pro-Palestinian advocacy—something supporters say is central to why the case matters.
For many observers, the situation sits at the intersection of:
– Academic freedom
– Student rights
– Immigration control
This is especially acute for international students who take part in political activism that universities may view as sensitive or controversial.
Political and public reactions
The decision by King’s—both the suspension and the revocation of sponsorship—sparked criticism from figures across the political spectrum.
Notable responses include:
– Greta Thunberg raising visibility and moral weight behind calls for action.
– Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn joining Thunberg and others in criticizing the university’s handling of the case.
Their statements expanded the debate from campus policy into a broader test of how institutions should balance speech, protest, and community safety against immigration rules tied to enrollment and conduct.
Calls for reinstatement and immediate actions requested
Pressure on King’s College London has grown, with supporters urging the reversal of both the suspension and the sponsorship decision.
Key appeals include:
– Malaysian politician Nik Nazmi urging immediate action: “I urge King’s leadership to immediately reverse Ghanem’s suspension and reinstate his student status and visa sponsorship.”
– Advocates asserting that restoring sponsorship would:
– Remove the immediate risk of removal
– Allow Ghanem to continue his studies while any inquiries proceed through proper channels
Broader implications for international students
The case resonates widely among international students who depend on university sponsorship for legal stay in the UK. Student representatives warn of a potential chilling effect on activism, fearing that participation in protests could jeopardize immigration status.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com notes that public cases with similar contours often become flashpoints for broader debates about academic freedom and immigration enforcement on campus, drawing campaigners from diverse causes and regions.
Due process and safety concerns
Student and human rights groups frame the issue as one of due process. Their arguments include:
– Revoking sponsorship in the middle of a dispute can immediately endanger international students, leaving little time for legal advice or alternatives.
– In Ghanem’s case, the stakes are described as personal and acute, since removal to his country of origin could expose him to harm.
Supporters say student discipline, if necessary, should not include actions that may expose a young person to danger.
Institutional role and responsibilities
The controversy underlines how closely international students’ lives are tied to institutional decisions. Universities function both as academic homes and as immigration sponsors, so disciplinary actions or policy disputes can have existential consequences for those whose status depends on institutional endorsement.
Campaigners backing Ghanem argue this is precisely why the case has drawn intense attention—and why it may set precedents for how similar disputes are handled going forward.
Official guidance for students on visas
The UK government’s official resources describe rules for students who need permission to study and live in the country. The UK government Student visa guidance explains eligibility and conditions for international students, including sponsorship requirements tied to institutions licensed to host overseas students.
Advocates point readers to official information so students facing urgent questions about status can find clear, up-to-date guidance while seeking legal help and community support.
Current status and outlook
For Ghanem, the immediate priorities remain:
– Safety
– The ability to continue his education without the threat of removal
Supporters argue that reversing the suspension and restoring the visa sponsorship would allow him to resume studies and reduce fear among other international students at King’s and beyond.
Greta Thunberg’s public support has added moral force to the campaign, situating the matter within a global conversation about youth protest movements and the rights of international students. Corbyn’s criticism reflects concern within British politics that university decisions should rely on open dialogue rather than measures that can end a student’s ability to remain in the country.
King’s College London now faces intense pressure from public figures, students, and human rights advocates to reverse the decision swiftly. Supporters continue to call for flexibility and for recognition of the safety risks they say Ghanem faces outside the UK.
As of late 2025, the situation remains unresolved. Campaigners—including Thunberg, Corbyn, and a range of student and human rights groups—say they will keep pressing until Ghanem’s student status and visa sponsorship are reinstated. The outcome now rests with King’s, whose next steps will be watched closely by students across the UK and beyond.
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This Article in a Nutshell
Greta Thunberg backed 21-year-old King’s College student Usama Ghanem after the university revoked his visa sponsorship and suspended him indefinitely, exposing him to deportation risk. Public figures and student groups urged King’s to reinstate sponsorship, arguing the move threatens Ghanem’s safety and chills political activism among international students. Campaigners emphasize due process and call for disciplinary approaches that do not create immediate immigration danger. The case raises broader questions about academic freedom, institutional responsibilities and protections for sponsored students.
