A U.S. immigration judge has ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and permanent resident, can be deported. Khalil has been active in pro-Palestinian protests and is married to a U.S. citizen. His lawyer confirmed the decision on Friday.
Judge Cites Sufficient Evidence for Deportation
According to his lawyer, Judge Jamee Comans concluded that the U.S. government had presented enough evidence to support Khalil’s deportation. As a result, Khalil now faces removal from the country.
However, Khalil’s lawyer, Marc van der Hout, sharply criticized the ruling. He stated, “Today, we saw our worst fears play out: Mahmoud was subject to a charade of due process, a flagrant violation of his right to a fair hearing, and a weaponisation of immigration law to suppress dissent. This is not over, and our fight continues.”
Legal Team Gets More Time
Although the judge issued the ruling, Khalil has not yet received a deportation date. Instead, the court has allowed his legal team until April 23 to submit a waiver request.
Khalil’s Arrest Sparked Protests
Earlier, Khalil was arrested and transferred to Louisiana, sparking protests. He had become a leading voice in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University.
In court, Judge Comans asked the government to clearly explain its case. Officials argued that Khalil’s actions posed a national security threat. They claimed his protests could disrupt public order and harm diplomatic relations.
Rubio Raises Concerns Over Foreign Policy
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the court that Khalil’s activism could affect U.S. foreign policy. Nevertheless, he did not officially accuse Khalil of ties to Hamas. Still, some officials have made such claims in media reports.
Other Activists Also Face Legal Trouble
Furthermore, Khalil is not the only student protester under scrutiny. Badar Khan Suri, an Indian scholar married to a U.S. citizen of Palestinian origin, has also been arrested. Authorities allege that he has links to Hamas.
