Why is Kings College London Trying to Deport a 22 Year Old Student? With Usama Ghanem
The Thinking YouthShow Notes
Usama Ghanem is a 22 year old student at King’s College London. In just a few days, the university intends to revoke his visa and remove him from the country. His “crime” is simple. He spoke out against the genocide in Gaza and criticised his university’s financial ties to companies enabling it.
For this, he was doxxed, targeted, beaten by security during a peaceful protest, and is now facing deportation.
In this episode, Usama walks us through the full story. From the moment he challenged KCL’s decision to reward the very company linked to the killing of a Palestinian Alumnus, to the harsh retaliation that followed. He explains how universities across the UK are cracking down on Muslim students, how rules are being ignored, and why speaking truth in this moment carries real personal risk.
We also talk about faith, courage, and conviction. Usama reflects on how Allah strengthens the hearts of those who stand firm, and why he is certain—both about his own case and about the justice of the cause—that victory is near.
To learn more or support Usama’s case, visit CAGE’s campaign page: https://www.cage.ngo/campaigns/kcl---reinstate-usama-now
B-roll footage in this episode includes media from: https://www.instagram.com/solidarity.diary/?hl=en
This is a story about repression, resistance, and the price of speaking the truth. Watch until the end.Follow us on:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingyouthpod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thinkingyouthpod
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@thethinkingyouth
Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheThinkingMuslim
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from The Thinking Youth
Leqaa Kordia spent 368 days in ICE detention. She joins The Thinking Youth Podcast to share what she endured inside a Texas immigration detention centre and why she believes she was targeted for speaking up for Palestine.Leqaa describes sleeping on the floor for three months and being shackled to a hospital bed. She shares the stories of pregnant women and elderly detainees she met inside, revealing the conditions they faced and how they supported one another.Having lost 200 family members in Gaza, Leqaa speaks about her commitment to Palestinian freedom, the guilt that followed her release and the lasting effects of detention on her health. She explains how the Qur’an and prayer helped her find peace through 368 days of uncertainty.The conversation explores ICE detention, Palestinian activism and freedom of speech under the Trump administration. Leqaa also discusses the responsibility of Muslim communities to support people facing deportation and continue organising for Palestine.
This might be one of the most entertaining episodes of The Thinking Youth you watch. If you’ve been following the online drama about Muslim women, free mixing, and what really goes on in MSAs and ISOCs, parts of this conversation will feel very familiar.
What is the future of Islam in America? Are Muslim Americans really in crisis or is the future of Muslims in America more hopeful than social media makes it seem?
**Please note that this conversation was interrupted by a few technical issues in the studio. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.**
In this episode of The Thinking Youth, we sit down with Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani following reports of an alleged attempted assassination plot against her.