A Louisiana immigration judge ruled on Friday that Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, may face deportation. This decision comes after Khalil’s recent detention raised significant concerns about due process and civil rights.
Khalil became a subject of controversy for his activism at Columbia, which included leading protests supporting Palestinian rights. Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled his activism as antisemitic, claiming that allowing him to stay in the U.S. could jeopardize American foreign policy aimed at combating antisemitism globally.
During a hearing at the detention facility in Louisiana, Judge Jamee Comans stated she couldn’t challenge Rubio’s determination. Khalil expressed his discontent, highlighting the lack of fairness in the process and raising concerns about the treatment he received compared to others waiting for hearings.
Khalil’s legal team has indicated they will appeal the ruling, seeking to halt his deportation. Comans has given them until April 23 to file for a stay. If they miss this deadline, Khalil risks deportation to either Syria or Algeria—countries he has ties to.
His attorney, Marc Van Der Hout, pointed out the worrying implications of targeting individuals for their speech. Khalil, who holds a green card, is recognized as a lawful permanent resident. The deportation ruling relies on the McCarran-Walter Act, a law enacted during the Cold War era, which gives the Secretary of State the power to determine if a person’s presence in the U.S. threatens national interests.
Khalil was apprehended on March 8 at his apartment in New York City, where he lives with his pregnant wife, a U.S. citizen. His detention has triggered protests and social media discussions around free speech and immigration rights. Many argue his case reflects a broader issue where dissenting voices are silenced under the guise of national security.
As the legal battle continues, Khalil’s story has sparked national conversations about freedom of expression and the rights of activists. The outcome of his case might set important precedents for how the U.S. handles civil liberties in the context of immigration and political dissent.
For more context, you can read about civil rights in the immigration system from ACLU’s report.
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