In a controversial move, a U.S. immigration judge has ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s push to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist and Columbia University graduate. Khalil, a 30-year-old legal permanent resident, has not been charged with any crime but was detained last month over his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests.
Authorities argue that Khalil’s presence poses “adverse foreign policy consequences,” citing a Cold War-era clause in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The court’s decision opens the door for deportation proceedings, though his legal team has until April 23 to appeal—a step they fully intend to take.
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Khalil has been held at a Louisiana detention center since March 8. His lawyers say the government’s case rests largely on his participation in campus protests and advocacy for Palestinian rights, not any unlawful activity. Critics, including the ACLU, have condemned the ruling as rushed and politically motivated.
The case has drawn widespread attention, igniting debate over the balance between national policy and constitutional protections. As Khalil fights his legal battle, rights groups warn that the outcome could set a dangerous precedent for political activists who lack U.S. citizenship.
