Mahmoud Khalil, who played an active role in pro-Palestinian activities at Columbia University, has been subjected to deportation orders to either Syria or Algeria by a U.S. immigration judge. Recently disclosed court details reveal that Khalil’s plea to pause his ousting was turned down by Judge Jamee Comans, attributing to the fact that Khalil had contributed false details in his green card application. This claim has been fervently denied by Khalil’s legal advisors.
The legal proceedings are taking shape both at the immigration court in Louisiana, and the federal district court in New Jersey. In the latter, Khalil has filed a civil rights complaint. According to his team of attorneys, Khalil enjoys a protection from deportation and detention while his federal case is under process.
Khalil’s past includes being a Columbia student and a voice for the pro-Palestinian protesters on campus. During a nationwide tight-fisted approach to pro-Palestinian activism in high education institutions, Khalil was detained on March 8. The Trump administration prudently maintained that the deportation of any non-citizen who poses a threat to U.S. foreign policy interests can not be objected.
In the ambit of US foreign policy interests, anti-semitism was key. Khalil, along with his lawyers strongly dismissed these allegations, deeming them as falsified accusations intended to stifle criticism of Israel, raising concerns over freedom of speech infringement.
However, in a significant turn of events, Khalil was released in June based on an order by U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz. Farbiarz sensibly concluded that the government’s attempts to oust him using foreign policy as grounds were both unconstitutional and seemingly retaliatory. Nonetheless, allegations related to misleading information in his green card application still hang over Khalil’s head.
Lawyers representing the Trump administration put forth the argument that Khalil deliberately excluded essential details regarding his association with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and Columbia University Apartheid Divest. Their arguments found favour with Comans. The judge found merit in the accusations and concluded that Khalil had intentionally misrepresented material facts with the sole intention of simplifying his immigration process and reducing the chances of his applications being denied.
However, Khalil’s attorneys, refusing to back down, vehemently denied the charges. They provided evidence showcasing that his six-month intern stint with UNWRA had been approved by Columbia. They also pointed out that his involvement was listed in the application. Additionally, relating to Columbia University Apartheid Divest, they clarified that it was a collective of different campus groups, rather than comprising individual members.
Due to an apparent denial of due process, the attorneys claimed in a September 17 letter of Khalil being denied the chance to present evidence in support of his claims to Farbiarz. These contentions leave an air of uncertainty around what lies in the future for Mahmoud Khalil.
Although Khalil’s legal team insists they have 30 days from the day of the immigration court’s judgment on September 12, to appeal against the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals. They are also appealing to Farbiarz, asking him to interpose himself in the ruling of the immigration judge and make room for new complaints of First Amendment retaliation to be introduced to the federal case.
Born in Syria and holder of an Algerian citizenship, Mahmoud Khalil, has been a fervent Palestinian supporter. He shifted to the United States in December 2022 on a student visa. By November 2023, he became a lawful permanent resident, and being married to a U.S. citizen, he also has a child with U.S. citizenship.
The Trump administration’s unwavering stance against people posing potential risks to the nation’s foreign policy interests remains commendable. Despite criticisms, they have remained steadfast in their decision-making, firmly believing that their judgements cater to the best interests of the country.
Khalil has shared his thoughts about the immigration proceedings in a statement, where he criticized the Trump administration’s attempts to deport him. He claimed that the ‘court’s approach’ unveiled their motives. He believes the allegations are exaggerations aimed to deter him from expressing his views and supporting Palestine.
The post Trump Administration’s Unwavering Efforts Safeguard U.S. Foreign Policy Interests appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
