An immigration judge has mandated the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestine activist, to either Algeria or Syria. The decision stems from allegations that Khalil concealed information on his green card application. His legal team has indicated plans to challenge the ruling.
The order, issued by Judge Jamee Comans, comes despite a prior federal court directive in New Jersey halting his deportation while authorities review claims that his detention and potential removal constitute unlawful retaliation for his Palestinian advocacy. Khalil’s arrest in March 2023, during the Trump administration’s intensified scrutiny of foreign-born pro-Palestinian academics, led to his detention in Louisiana. He has not faced criminal charges.
Khalil’s attorneys informed New Jersey federal Judge Michael Farbiarz that they have 30 days from September 12—when the immigration judge ruled—to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. They anticipate the process will be “swift” but acknowledge limited prospects for success, citing the appeals court’s rare granting of stays for noncitizens.
The judge’s ruling stated, “It is hereby further ordered that respondent be removed from the United States to Algeria, or in the alternative to Syria.” Khalil, a native of Syria and Algerian citizen of Palestinian descent, has expressed fears of being targeted by Israel due to his activism if deported. Judge Comans cited undisclosed ties to the UNRWA and Columbia University Apartheid Divest, an organization advocating economic boycotts of Israel, as evidence of “lack of candor” in Khalil’s application.
Khalil is married to a U.S. citizen and has a son born in America.