A New Jersey federal judge made waves this week by blocking Secretary of State Marco Rubio from deporting Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old Palestinian Columbia University graduate. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, has been held in a detention facility in Louisiana since his arrest at his university-owned New York City apartment building back in March.
District Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that deporting Khalil would lead to irreparable harm to his career, reputation, and free speech—especially given his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at an Ivy League campus. His lawyers emphasized the need for his release so he could reunite with his wife and newborn son, Deen, underscoring the real-life impact of such decisions. ✊📚
The judge's decision comes on the heels of other legal residents involved in activism fighting similar battles. It highlights ongoing debates over immigration provisions and the balance between national policy and individual rights. Stay tuned as this unfolding story continues to challenge traditional boundaries and spark conversations about activism and immigration reform!
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Palestinian Columbia University graduate can't be deported, judge says
cgtn.com
