A Louisiana immigration judge has ordered the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and legal permanent resident of the United States, to either Syria or Algeria. This decision, made by Judge Jamee Comans, was revealed in court filings submitted on Wednesday. Khalil’s deportation stems from allegations that he failed to provide complete information on his green card application.
Khalil’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal the ruling. However, they cautioned that the appeal process is likely to be expedient and challenging, with limited chances for success. According to their letter to federal Judge Michael Farbiarz in New Jersey, they have until October 12 to file their appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals. The attorneys also highlighted that subsequent appeals to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals have a low success rate.
Khalil, previously a student at Columbia University, was taken into custody in March at his home in Manhattan. Following his arrest, he was held in Louisiana for more than three months under a seldom-used provision of immigration law that allows for the expulsion of noncitizens deemed damaging to U.S. foreign policy interests. Notably, he has not faced any criminal charges.
Federal Judge Michael Farbiarz, appointed by President Biden, had initially stopped Khalil’s deportation over concerns regarding foreign policy implications and later ordered his release, enabling him to return to New York to be with his wife and their newborn son. However, the Trump administration has since pursued Khalil’s removal, asserting that he omitted details related to his past employment and connections to various organizations when seeking residency.
In his own statement, Khalil characterized the deportation efforts as politically motivated, asserting it is linked to his activism. “It is no surprise that they continue to target me for my speech,” he remarked, adding that the process felt unfair and akin to a “kangaroo immigration court.”
As the situation unfolds, Khalil’s case raises significant questions about the use of immigration law in the context of political dissent and the treatment of activists within the U.S. legal system. Supporters of Khalil are closely monitoring developments, emphasizing concerns over the implications for free speech and the rights of immigrants.
The case also highlights broader tensions in U.S. immigration policy, particularly how activism is treated under legal frameworks. With the impending appeal, the attention remains sharply focused on Khalil’s future and the potential repercussions of this ruling for others in similar situations.
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