US judge orders deportation of activist Mahmoud Khalil to Syria, Algeria

"An immigration judge in the United States has ordered that pro-Palestine activist Mahmoud Khalil, who played a leading role in protests last year against Israel's war on Gaza at the prestigious Columbia University, be deported to Algeria or Syria. Court documents, revealed on Wednesday by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), showed that Louisiana immigration Judge Jamee Comans issued the ruling on September 12, accusing Khalil of failing to disclose key information when he applied and secured lawful permanent residency in the US."

"Khalil, a native of Syria and an Algerian citizen of Palestinian origin, has previously said he fears being targeted by Israel for his activism if he is deported to either country. Judge Comans claimed that Khalil did not disclose his ties to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and Columbia University Apartheid Divest, an activist group which advocates for an economic boycott of Israel, on his green card application, describing it as a lack of candor by the applicant."

"This Court finds that Respondent wilfully misrepresented material fact(s) for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration process and reducing the likelihood his applications could be denied, Comans said. Khalil's lawyers responded, saying that they intend to appeal the deportation order, and pointed to a federal district court's order earlier this year prohibiting the government from immediately deporting or detaining Khalil as his federal court case proceeds."

An immigration judge ordered Mahmoud Khalil deported to Algeria or Syria, saying he failed to disclose key information on his green card application. Court documents say Judge Jamee Comans issued the ruling on September 12 after finding Khalil did not disclose ties to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and the Columbia University Apartheid Divest activist group. The judge described the omissions as wilful misrepresentations intended to circumvent immigration processes. Khalil, a Syrian native and Algerian citizen of Palestinian origin, says he fears being targeted by Israel if deported. His lawyers intend to appeal and cited a federal order blocking immediate removal.

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