Thursday, September 18, 2025 -A U.S. immigration judge has ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and pro-Palestinian activist, must be deported to either Syria his birthplace or Algeria, where he holds citizenship.
The decision, issued by Judge Jamee Comans on September 12, found that Khalil misrepresented key facts on his green card application by not disclosing ties to UNRWA and to Columbia University Apartheid Divest.
Khalil’s legal team has already appealed, citing a federal court order that temporarily shields him from removal or detention while a civil rights lawsuit against the government continues. His lawyers argue that the process bypassed procedural protections and failed to give him a full hearing on all evidence.
The case has ignited debate over the intersection of immigration law, political activism, and free speech. Supporters of the ruling say full transparency on immigration applications is essential, while critics argue the decision reflects political targeting of dissent.
If upheld, the ruling would strip Khalil of his residency and force him to leave the U.S., raising concerns for other non-citizen activists engaged in protest movements.
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