Immigration Board Denies Mahmoud Khalil's Appeal, Paving Way for Deportation
The U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals has issued a final order denying Mahmoud Khalil's latest bid to dismiss his deportation case, bringing the Palestinian activist one step closer to re-arrest and expulsion. Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student and legal permanent resident, was detained earlier this year following federal crackdowns on campus activism related to the conflict in Gaza. The government alleges his protest leadership aligns with Hamas, though no evidence has been presented and Khalil denies antisemitism claims. He describes the ruling as politically motivated, asserting he is being punished for speaking out against the genocide in Palestine. While his lawyers argue he cannot be lawfully detained while pursuing separate federal court challenges, a recent appellate decision ruled that immigration proceedings must conclude before federal intervention. Khalil, born in Syria to a Palestinian family with Algerian citizenship, fears targeted violence if deported.
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Immigration Board Denies Mahmoud Khalil's Appeal, Paving Way for Deportation
The U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals has issued a final order denying Mahmoud Khalil's latest bid to dismiss his deportation case, bringing the Palestinian activist one step closer to re-arrest and expulsion. Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student and legal permanent resident, was detained earlier this year following federal crackdowns on campus activism related to the conflict in Gaza. The government alleges his protest leadership aligns with Hamas, though no evidence has been presented and Khalil denies antisemitism claims. He describes the ruling as politically motivated, asserting he is being punished for speaking out against the genocide in Palestine. While his lawyers argue he cannot be lawfully detained while pursuing separate federal court challenges, a recent appellate decision ruled that immigration proceedings must conclude before federal intervention. Khalil, born in Syria to a Palestinian family with Algerian citizenship, fears targeted violence if deported.
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