A Louisiana immigration judge has mandated the deportation of former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil to either Syria or Algeria, citing his alleged failure to fully disclose necessary information on his green card application. This ruling, unveiled in federal court documents by Khalil’s legal team on Wednesday, marks a significant turn in Khalil’s ongoing legal battles.
Judge Jamee Comans stated that Khalil was aware that failing to disclose his affiliations could lead to further scrutiny and potential denial of his application for conditional permanent residency. She asserted that Khalil’s omissions were intentional, declaring that they were not merely mistakes by an uninformed applicant.
This latest order comes after a June ruling from New Jersey District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz, which barred Khalil’s detainment or deportation while reviewing claims that he is being targeted for his advocacy concerning Palestine. Khalil’s attorneys are preparing to appeal Comans’ decision and have informed Farbiarz of their intent to contest the ruling.
In a statement, Khalil characterized the order as part of a campaign of retaliation by the Trump administration for his exercise of free speech. He accused officials of attempting to silence his advocacy for Palestine and described the legal process as a “kangaroo court.” Khalil emphasized his determination to continue fighting for the rights of Palestinians despite these actions.
Ramzi Kassem, a co-director of the group CLEAR and part of Khalil’s legal team, criticized the systemic issues surrounding the case. He stated that immigration authorities answer to political pressure, implicating a violation of First Amendment rights and raising concerns about the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, echoed these sentiments in a social media post, asserting that the government’s actions against Khalil are retaliatory responses to his vocal opposition against U.S. policies in Palestine. She condemned the administration’s actions as politicizing the immigration process to suppress dissent.
Khalil was detained by federal agents in New York City on March 8. Despite being a permanent resident, his student visa and green card were revoked. He spent 104 days in a Louisiana detention center before his release in June, and he has not faced any criminal charges.
Before his detention, Khalil was involved in Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs and played a notable role in organizing events advocating for Palestine on campus. His case highlights broader concerns about the Trump administration’s approach to Palestine activism, which critics argue has involved deploying immigration enforcement against individuals advocating for Palestinian rights.
The administration’s tactics, including deportations and investigations, have been part of a larger effort that some believe is aimed at suppressing free speech on college campuses regarding Palestine. This strategy is outlined in a policy known as Project Esther, introduced by the conservative Heritage Foundation in 2024.
Many universities have complied with – or even facilitated – this crackdown. Recently, the University of California, Berkeley, provided the Department of Education with private details concerning over 150 students and faculty members related to an investigation into alleged antisemitism.
The Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at UC Berkeley condemned this action, claiming that the university is using its authority to undermine civil rights and silence those opposing the Israeli government’s actions against Palestinians.
This unfolding situation continues to attract national attention, raising substantial questions about the intersection of immigration law, free speech, and advocacy for Palestinian rights in the United States.
This article was automatically written by OpenAI, and the people, facts, circumstances, and story may be inaccurate. Any article can be requested for removal, retraction, or correction by writing an email to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.