Judge Orders Mahmoud Khalil Deported: Activist Faces Removal to Syria or Algeria

A U.S. immigration judge has ordered Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil to be deported. The decision was issued in Louisiana on September 12. Khalil may be removed to either Syria or Algeria. He is a legal permanent resident of the United States.

Khalil’s lawyers plan to appeal. They argue that the case is politically motivated. They also warn that deportation could put Khalil’s safety at risk. His wife and newborn son are American citizens.

Why the Deportation Order Matters

Khalil’s case has become a test of immigration law and executive power. According to Reuters, the government first sought his removal under foreign policy grounds. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had cited Khalil’s pro-Palestinian activism as a threat. That move was blocked by a federal judge in June.

The government then filed a separate case. Officials accused Khalil of failing to disclose past work and affiliations on his green card application. Immigration Judge Jamee Comans ruled that this omission was enough to justify removal. Requests for more time, a hearing, or a change of venue were denied.

Khalil’s legal team, supported by the ACLU and the Center for Constitutional Rights, described the ruling as unfair. They said the process was unusually fast and denied Khalil basic rights. They also warned that deportation to Syria or Algeria would place him in danger.

Political and Legal Reactions

The ruling sparked strong reactions. U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz had earlier said there was evidence of retaliation against Khalil. He suggested that immigration proceedings were being used to punish political speech.

Khalil also issued a statement. He said the Trump administration was targeting him for exercising free speech. He called the immigration court a “kangaroo court.”

The Trump administration defended the decision. Homeland Security officials said it was a matter of national security. They also criticized earlier judicial rulings that delayed Khalil’s removal.

What Happens Next for Mahmoud Khalil

Khalil’s lawyers are appealing to the Board of Immigration Appeals. They expect the process to be quick and difficult. If the BIA upholds the deportation order, Khalil will lose his permanent residency. He would then face immediate removal.

Legal experts note that appeals to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rarely stop deportations. This means Khalil may have very limited options left. The outcome will decide whether he can stay in the United States with his family or face return to a country where his safety may be at risk.

The case highlights the tension between immigration law, national security, and free speech. Judge orders Mahmoud Khalil deported, but his fight in court is not yet over.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Mahmoud Khalil?

He is a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student. He is a U.S. legal permanent resident married to an American citizen with a newborn son.

Q2: Why was Mahmoud Khalil ordered deported?

He was accused of failing to disclose past employment and affiliations on his green card application. The judge ruled this was grounds for removal.

Q3: Where could he be deported?

The immigration judge ordered deportation to either Syria or Algeria. His lawyers say both countries would be unsafe for him.

Q4: What are his lawyers arguing?

They say the case is retaliation for Khalil’s activism. They argue the process was unfair and unusually fast, denying him basic rights.

Q5: What happens if the appeal fails?

If the Board of Immigration Appeals upholds the ruling, Khalil will lose his residency and face immediate removal with few legal options left.