Ramzi Kassem

Ramzi Kassem is a Professor of Law at the CUNY School of Law, where he co-directs the CLEAR clinic. His work focuses on national security, civil rights, and immigration law. He has argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts, representing detainees at Guantanamo Bay and advocating for marginalized communities affected by security policies. From 2022–2024, he served as a Senior Policy Advisor at the White House, addressing immigration and national security issues. Kassem is an elected member of the American Law Institute and a Freedom Scholar. He holds degrees from Columbia College, Columbia Law School, and the Sorbonne.

Education:

• Columbia College
• Columbia Law School (J.D.)
• Sorbonne (Law Degree)

Research Interests: His work critiques U.S. security state excesses, including surveillance, watchlisting, and Guantanamo detention policies. He emphasizes clinical legal education and community advocacy. Recent articles address watchlisting, drone warfare accountability, and immigrant rights.

Notable Cases: Led landmark cases like Tanzin v. Tanvir (Supreme Court victory on watchlisting) and Raza v. NYC (restricting surveillance of religious/political activity). Represented Guantanamo detainees, achieving twelve releases. Authored studies on legal education in Tunisia and lectured globally.

Awards: Honored as a Paul & Daisy Soros New American Fellow and Quincy Institute Non-Resident Fellow. Recognized for contributions to social justice and legal accountability.

Labs & Initiatives: Founded CLEAR and directed the Immigrant & Non-Citizen Rights Clinic. Collaborates with international organizations like FIDH on human rights assessments.