Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student and pro-Palestinian activist, is facing deportation to either Algeria or Syria following a federal immigration judge's ruling. The decision, issued last week and detailed in court documents filed by Khalil's legal team, stems from a lawsuit against the government alleging wrongful detention and a politically motivated attempt to punish him for his activism.
Khalil, a green card holder, claims the Trump administration's actions represent retaliation for his participation in pro-Palestinian protests. The administration, however, accuses him of "hateful behavior and rhetoric" and alleges misrepresentation on his green card application. Judge Jamee Comans denied Khalil's motion for a waiver, citing alleged misrepresentations regarding his background, specifically his involvement with a UN agency and his employment at the British Embassy in Lebanon. Comans ruled that Khalil's actions were not an oversight, but rather a willful attempt to circumvent the immigration process.
Khalil and his legal team strongly contest these claims. They argue that his involvement with the UN agency was as an unpaid intern and that his employment at the British Embassy ended in 2022, contradicting the government's assertion of continued employment. They further contend that the judge rushed to a decision without proper due process, citing multiple procedural irregularities. They've described the ruling as politically motivated retaliation for his exercise of free speech.
This case highlights the intersection of free speech, immigration law, and political activism. The initial attempt to deport Khalil on foreign policy grounds was previously blocked by U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz, who cited damage to Khalil's career and reputation. However, the current deportation order focuses on the alleged misrepresentations in his immigration application. Khalil now has 30 days to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. The outcome of this appeal will determine whether he remains in the United States or is deported, raising significant concerns about the implications for other activists and the fairness of the immigration process.
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Originally published at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-orders-columbia-mahmoud-khalil-deported-algeria-syria/
