Student Activist's Fight for Stay in US Hits Roadblock

A judge has made a surprising decision. Mahmoud Khalil, a student activist, can be deported. This is because of his involvement in protests. The judge believes Khalil's actions could harm U. S. foreign policy. This ruling came as a shock to many. It could affect other international students too. Khalil is a green card holder. He is married to an American citizen. The judge has given his lawyers a deadline. They must file applications to stop his deportation by April 23. If they miss this deadline, Khalil could be sent back to either Syria or Algeria. The judge's decision aligns with the views of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio believes Khalil's presence in the U. S. is a threat to foreign policy. Khalil's supporters were disappointed. They felt the judge did not follow due process. They also felt the judge did not ensure fundamental fairness. Khalil himself spoke out after the hearing. He quoted the judge's own words about due process. Khalil's wife, Noor Abdalla, released a statement. She called the ruling a "devastating blow" to their family. She believes Khalil is being targeted for speaking out against the conflict in Gaza. She also thinks the ruling is an indictment of the U. S. immigration system. The deportation hearing happened while another case is ongoing in federal court. A judge in that case has ruled that Khalil cannot be deported during the proceedings. Khalil's attorney, Marc van der Hout, was not happy with the ruling. He believes Khalil was denied a fair hearing. He also thinks the ruling could set a dangerous precedent. Khalil was part of a leadership group at Columbia University. They protested the war in Gaza. They also demanded the university cut ties with Israel. Khalil finished his graduate studies in December. He was set to graduate in the spring. He was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in March. The government believes Khalil's presence in the U. S. could harm foreign policy interests. Khalil's attorneys argued that the government did not present enough evidence. They believe the government is using an obscure law to deport Khalil. The law allows for deportation if a migrant's presence could have serious adverse foreign policy consequences. Khalil's attorneys believe this determination should be made by a judge, after reviewing evidence.