A federal immigration judge has ordered Mahmoud Khalil deported after ruling he concealed information on his green card application.
The order allows removal to either Algeria or Syria.
Judge’s Ruling
Immigration Judge Jamee Comans issued the decision on September 12.
She found Khalil omitted key details about his past affiliations.
Jamee Comans
He failed to disclose an internship with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
He also omitted involvement with Columbia University Apartheid Divest.
Comans wrote that the omissions were deliberate and grounds for deportation.
She said the affiliations raised national security and foreign policy concerns.
The judge denied Khalil’s motion for relief from removal.
Arrest and Detention
Khalil was arrested by ICE agents on March 8.
He was taken into custody at his Manhattan apartment.
Mahmoud Khalil
He was detained in Louisiana for more than three months.
In June, he was released after a federal court review.
Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled he was not a flight risk.
Michael Farbiarz
Farbiarz also found he was not a danger to the public.
Legal Challenge
Court filings unsealed Wednesday revealed details of the case.
The American Civil Liberties Union publicized the judge’s decision.
Khalil’s attorneys argue the case is retaliation for political speech.
They said the deportation order targets constitutionally protected activism.
The legal team announced plans to appeal to the BIA.
Khalil’s Response
Khalil issued a statement condemning the ruling.
He called the immigration court a “kangaroo” process.
He accused the Trump administration of punishing dissent.
Khalil said the decision exposes the government’s “true colors.”
He framed his deportation fight as a civil rights battle.
Next Steps
The Board of Immigration Appeals will now hear the case.
Until then, Khalil cannot be deported under federal court orders.
His lawyers are preparing to argue constitutional violations.
The outcome could set precedent for cases involving political activism.
For now, Khalil’s status in the United States remains uncertain.
