A controversial ruling from a U.S. immigration court in Jena, Louisiana, has set the stage for the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and green card holder. The judge sustained the charge of removability, citing Khalil's involvement in last year's pro-Palestinian campus protests as a threat to U.S. foreign policy.
During the hearing at the LaSalle Immigration Court, Judge Jamee Comans announced a deadline of April 23 for Khalil and his legal team to file applications for relief. Khalil, who has no criminal history, told the court, "There's nothing more important than due process and fundamental fairness … Neither of those principles were present today."
Arrested on March 8 at a university-owned apartment in New York City and transferred to an immigration detention center, Khalil's case has ignited debate over immigration policies and the safeguarding of individual rights. His remarks highlighted the emotional toll of facing legal proceedings far from his family.
The decision was accompanied by strong comments from U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, where he labeled Khalil a "Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student" and warned that similar actions might follow for other protesters. Although these statements have fueled further controversy, Khalil and his lawyers have consistently denied any ties to Hamas or support for terrorist activities.
Recent data from the Association of International Educators shows that nearly 1,000 foreign students and scholars have had their visas revoked or their immigration statuses terminated, with many cases linked to pro-Palestinian campus protests. This ruling underscores an ongoing tension between national security measures and the protection of civil rights in higher education.
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U.S. judge allows Trump admin to deport Columbia University student
cgtn.com
