The Board of Immigration Appeals rejected Mahmoud Khalil’s latest bid to dismiss his deportation case, issuing a final order of removal on Thursday that moves the former Columbia University graduate student and Palestinian activist closer to possible deportation, according to his attorneys.
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Khalil, a 31-year-old lawful permanent resident, has become the focus of a high-profile immigration and free speech dispute linked to his participation in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University in 2024. The U.S. government has claimed that his activism was aligned with Hamas and posed a threat to American foreign policy, although it has not publicly provided evidence to support those assertions. Khalil has rejected allegations of antisemitism and argues that he is being targeted for his political expression.
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Following the ruling, Khalil stated, “I am not surprised by this decision,” calling it politically motivated. He added that he has not committed any crime and insisted that his actions were protected speech.
His legal team said the immigration court system, overseen by the Department of Justice, has increasingly produced decisions unfavorable to noncitizens in politically sensitive cases. Attorney Marc Van Der Hout described the ruling as baseless and argued it lacks support in the record, asserting that it continues a pattern of retaliation against Khalil for his activism.
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Despite the immigration board’s decision, Khalil cannot currently be detained or deported while a separate case proceeds in federal court. Earlier legal proceedings saw him detained for 104 days following his arrest last year before a federal judge ordered his release. However, an appeals court later ruled that the judge had exceeded his authority, sending the matter back through immigration court channels.
Khalil’s attorneys are continuing to challenge the ruling and are seeking further review in federal appellate courts as the broader legal battle continues.
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