The Trump administration has filed new allegations against Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, who was detained due to his pro-Palestinian activism on campus. The administration claims that Khalil failed to disclose his membership in certain organizations and employment at the Syria Office in the British Embassy in Beirut on his permanent residency application. The administration also alleges that Khalil did not disclose his activities at Columbia University related to Palestine when applying for permanent residency. Khalil was arrested under a rarely used immigration law provision that allows for deportation if there are serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. Khalil’s attorneys argue that he was targeted for his free speech supporting the Palestinian cause. A lawsuit filed by Khalil alleges violations of his due process and First Amendment rights. However, a New York judge ordered the habeas petition to continue in New Jersey while barring Khalil’s deportation. The Trump administration’s filing in New Jersey argues that the state lacks jurisdiction for the habeas case and emphasizes its original argument for Khalil’s arrest. Khalil also has a separate deportation case in Louisiana. Student and faculty groups at Columbia University are planning protests and vigils in support of international student workers and those disciplined for pro-Palestine activism.
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