Deportation Order for Pro-Palestinian Activist Highlights U.S. Immigration Concerns
Pro-Palestinian protesters demanding the release of Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil stand outside his immigration court hearing in Newark, N.J., on Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)
By Irit Tratt
Thursday, 18 September 2025 12:33 PM EDT
A pro-Palestinian activist known for his role in 2024 Columbia University protests, Mahmoud Khalil, faces deportation after an immigration judge in Louisiana ruled he must leave the U.S. for failing to disclose ties to controversial organizations on his green card application. The decision comes amid allegations that Khalil’s actions and associations contradict U.S. foreign policy objectives.
In a memo signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Khalil was deemed deportable due to his “beliefs, statements, or associations” that allegedly undermine national interests. Khalil, who was detained in March for endorsing antisemitic activity, was released in June but continued to engage in public events and interviews, prioritizing political advocacy over family life.
Following his release, Khalil met with liberal lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who praised him at Newark airport. He also toured Capitol Hill, where he was seen with Sen. Bernie Sanders and Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Summer Lee, despite criticisms of his extremist views. In an interview with Ezra Klein, Khalil defended Hamas’s 2023 attacks on Israel, framing the violence as necessary to disrupt Israeli-Saudi diplomacy.
Khalil’s influence extended to New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who shared a stage with him at a comedy event, both promoting anti-American rhetoric. The activist recently received a standing ovation at a pro-terror conference in Michigan, where he declared the “Palestinian Liberation movement is winning” amid calls to abolish Israel.
The article underscores concerns over lax immigration policies enabling individuals with terrorist-aligned ideologies to operate within U.S. borders. Khalil’s continued presence, despite his radical agenda, has sparked debates about national security and the integrity of America’s values. His impending removal is framed as a necessary step to protect the country from ideological threats.
Irit Tratt is a writer and former co-chair of the Trump47 National Women’s Leadership Coalition. Follow her on X @Irit_Tratt.
