Immigration Judge Orders Deportation of Mahmoud Khalil to Syria or Algeria Amid Legal Battle
A federal immigration judge has ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student and pro-Palestinian protest leader, must be deported to either Syria or Algeria following allegations he misrepresented information on his green card application.
Judge Jamee Comans, presiding in Louisiana, issued her decision on September 12, denying Khalil’s motion for a waiver from removal and ordering that he be deported due to what the judge described as deliberate misrepresentation designed to circumvent immigration processes and avoid denial of his application.
Khalil was born in Syria and holds Algerian citizenship. His legal team revealed the ruling in court documents filed Wednesday in a civil rights lawsuit against the government, overseen by a federal court in New Jersey. The lawsuit challenges actions taken against Khalil during the Trump administration, under which he was detained for over three months and faced deportation allegedly linked to his involvement in pro-Palestinian activism.
The judge’s order concluded that permitting a waiver would set a dangerous precedent, effectively encouraging future applicants to gamble by submitting false information and then seeking leniency if discovered.
According to the court, Khalil “willfully misrepresented material fact(s) for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration process and reducing the likelihood his application would be denied.” The judge stated unequivocally that such conduct cannot be tolerated.
Background on the Case
Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder, became widely known for his leadership role in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. His detention and attempted deportation during the Trump administration sparked accusations that the government was targeting foreign students engaged in political protests critical of Israel following the Hamas-Israel conflict.
Khalil’s lawyers and advocacy groups including the American Civil Liberties Union have condemned the charges as “baseless” and “pretextual,” asserting that the allegations of misrepresentation were added after his detention in an effort to justify deportation.
With the recent ruling, Khalil has 30 days to file an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals, a Justice Department body. If the appeal fails, he would lose his lawful permanent resident status and must depart the United States as ordered.
Legal and Political Implications
This case highlights ongoing tensions regarding immigration enforcement and political activism. The Trump administration’s approach of linking immigration violations to political dissent raised significant controversy. Now, under the current ruling, Khalil’s legal fight will continue to draw attention to questions about due process, freedom of expression, and immigrant rights.
Legal experts note that immigration judges weigh not only the factual basis of removability but also broader policy considerations. The firm language used in Judge Comans’ opinion signals a strong stance against misrepresentations in immigration filings but also places Khalil’s activism in a complicated legal context.
Next Steps
Khalil’s legal team has confirmed plans to challenge the deportation order. Their forthcoming appeal will test both the facts of the case and the broader implications related to the treatment of foreign nationals involved in political activism inside the U.S.
The federal court in New Jersey, where Khalil’s civil rights lawsuit is pending, will monitor the appeals process closely as the case proceeds.
For now, Mahmoud Khalil remains in immigration detention, facing the prospect of losing his green card and being removed from the country to either Syria or Algeria within the month if his appeal does not succeed.