Boston, MA — A doctor legally working in the U.S. was reportedly deported despite a specific court order requiring authorities to delay her removal. This incident has sparked legal concerns and confusion about adherence to judicial directives.
Dr. Rasha Alawieh, who had returned from a visit to Lebanon, was detained and subsequently deported from Logan Airport in Boston despite possessing a valid H-1B visa, which is designated for highly skilled foreign professionals. The complexity of her situation intensified when a federal judge intervened shortly after her detention.
Upon learning of Dr. Alawieh’s detainment, her family quickly reached out to her legal representation. Thomas Brown, a lawyer based in Cranston, filed a lawsuit to prevent her removal from the country. U.S. Federal District Judge Leo T. Sorokin responded by mandating that Dr. Alawieh not be removed from Massachusetts without providing the court with a 48-hours notice.
Despite this order, allegations have arisen that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) proceeded with her deportation. Judge Sorokin has flagged these claims as “serious,” ordering government attorneys to provide explanations. A scheduled hearing is expected to clarify the situation.
The incident has caught the attention of U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, a Democrat from Providence. He expressed concerns about the potential violation of a federal order and is actively seeking clarity surrounding the circumstances of Dr. Alawieh’s detainment and removal.
Dr. Alawieh is a specialist in transplant nephrology and has been part of the team at Brown Medicine’s Division of Kidney Disease & Hypertension since last year. Her responsibilities include working on the transplant service at Rhode Island Hospital and holding a clinical appointment at Brown University. Colleagues and patients alike hold her in high regard for her dedication and care.
According to Dr. George Bayliss, medical director of the organ transplant service at Rhode Island Hospital, Dr. Alawieh’s unexpected absence has already impacted patient care. The delay in her return adds strain to the hospital service’s capacity to manage patient needs effectively.
The H-1B visa program, under which Dr. Alawieh was admitted into the U.S., aims to allow American employers to hire foreign professionals for specialty occupations on a temporary but extendable basis. Dr. Alawieh’s ordeal began following a routine visit to Lebanon, meant to last two weeks in February to reunite with her parents amidst challenging times in her home country. Her return was delayed due to her visa undergoing an administrative review, but she had confirmed to her colleagues that the issue was resolved and expected her prompt return to work.
This incident raises broader questions about the procedures and decision-making processes of U.S. immigration authorities, especially regarding the rights and legal protections afforded to visa holders. Legal professionals and civil rights advocates are closely monitoring the unfolding events, as the implications of Dr. Alawieh’s case could set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.
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