In a controversial decision, a U.S. immigration judge has ordered the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University student, to either Algeria or Syria. The ruling, issued on September 17, 2025, stems from allegations that Khalil omitted critical information from his green card application. Immigration Judge Jamee Comans asserted that Khalil ‘willfully misrepresented material facts’ to bypass immigration protocols and increase his chances of approval. However, Khalil’s legal team has vowed to appeal the decision, citing ongoing federal court orders that prevent his immediate deportation or detention. Khalil, a 30-year-old permanent U.S. resident of Palestinian descent, was previously detained for over 100 days earlier this year under the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism. During his detention, Khalil missed the birth of his child, as his wife, a U.S. citizen, was pregnant at the time. He was eventually released on June 20 after U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that punishing Khalil for a civil immigration matter was unconstitutional. The Trump administration has labeled pro-Palestinian activists like Khalil as antisemitic and supporters of extremism, a characterization vehemently denied by protesters, including some Jewish groups. They argue that criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza and advocating for Palestinian rights is unfairly equated with extremism. Khalil has accused the administration of retaliating against him for exercising his right to free speech, stating, ‘They resorted to fabricating baseless allegations to silence me.’ The case has sparked widespread concern among human rights advocates, who warn that such actions threaten free speech and due process. Columbia University, where Khalil is a student, was a focal point of last year’s protests calling for an end to Israel’s war and divestment from companies supporting Israel. The ongoing legal battle highlights the tension between immigration enforcement and constitutional rights in the U.S.
US immigration judge orders Khalil deportation, his lawyers say separate ruling protects him for now
