Zohran Mamdani is scheduled to return from his vacation in Uganda on Wednesday, and his campaign is preparing for a potentially tense situation at John F. Kennedy Airport. The Mamdani campaign has maintained communication with officials from Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and Attorney General Letitia James, who have expressed their support in case Mamdani faces any issues with immigration or border officials upon his arrival.
Despite being a U.S. citizen since 2018 and having lived in the U.S. since he was seven, Mamdani has received backlash from some Republican circles, particularly allies of Donald Trump. Representative Andy Ogles from Tennessee has called for Mamdani to be deported, citing some of his past rap lyrics that he claims glorify terrorist actions. This sentiment has been echoed by local political groups. Stefano Forte, president of the New York Young Republicans, has publicly stated that Mamdani embodies a “third-world socialist” ideology, arguing that he should be denied entry by immigration authorities.
However, Customs and Border Protection has clarified that they do not denaturalize U.S. citizens and that all travelers, including Mamdani, will undergo standard screening and inspection upon reentry into the country. Immigration lawyers have emphasized that as a citizen, Mamdani is entitled to return to the U.S. and has the right to refuse any questions beyond what is necessary for customs officers to ask.
Legal experts pointed out that even during heightened security periods, instances of denaturalization have been rare, suggesting that while Mamdani might face additional scrutiny, he should ultimately be allowed to enter the country lawfully. The governor’s office has been proactive in coordinating with authorities to ensure that if any complications arise during Mamdani’s reentry, assistance will be readily available.
Mamdani’s campaign is optimistic about a smooth return but is taking precautions to safeguard against any potential issues. Senior adviser Zara Rahim expressed confidence in Mamdani’s understanding of his rights as a U.S. citizen, stating their expectation for a routine process during his arrival.
The developments surrounding Mamdani’s return reflect broader themes in the current political climate, where the scrutiny of individuals based on their statements or backgrounds can lead to significant challenges. However, with the backing of state officials and a knowledgeable campaign team, Mamdani’s expected reentry paints a hopeful picture of resilience amid political tensions.