A federal judge ordered that pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil be deported to Syria or Algeria for failing to properly disclose information in his green card application.
In the 22-page order Wednesday, Louisiana immigration judge Jamee Comans wrote that Khalil is an “intelligent, Ivy League educated individual” who was cognizant of the misrepresentations in his immigration paperwork.
“This Court finds that Respondent willfully misrepresented material fact(s) for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration process and reducing the likelihood his application would be denied,” Comans wrote. “This Court cannot and will not condone such an action by granting a discretionary waiver.”
Wednesday’s order comes despite an ongoing federal case in New Jersey blocking Khalil’s deportation while his case is under investigation.
Khalil, a former Columbia University student who organized campus protests in support of Palestine, was detained in early March and placed into deportation proceedings. He is represented by a coalition of civil liberties organizations who say they plan to appeal Wednesday’s order.
In a statement, Khalil accused the Trump administration of using “fascist tactics,” according to Politico.
“It is no surprise that the Trump administration continues to retaliate against me for my exercise of free speech. Their latest attempt, through a kangaroo immigration court, exposes their true colors once again,” Khalil said.