**US Judge to Decide Fate of Palestinian Student Activist**
A US judge will soon rule on the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old student from Columbia University. The decision will determine whether Khalil, a green card holder, can be released or deported back to his home country.
Khalil was taken into custody by immigration officers in Louisiana on March 8th after participating in campus demonstrations against the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the investment ties between New York City University and Israel. His lawyer has accused the US government of trying to silence individuals who express views that are not supported, arguing that there is no evidence to justify Khalil’s arrest.
**The Trump Administration’s Argument**
In a memo obtained by Khalil’s legal team, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Khalil’s deportation was also being considered to “protect Jewish students from harassment and violence” in the US. However, lawyer Marc Van Der Hout has disputed this claim, stating that no evidence has been presented to support it.
“What is it?” asked Van Der Hout. “Is it criticizing Israel and the USA for the slaughter in Gaza? This is the real issue in this case.” He emphasized that immigrants and citizens have the right to express themselves freely, regardless of their views.
**Khalil’s Background**
Mahmoud Khalil grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria before moving to the US. He has denied allegations of antisemitism or support for Hamas, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US government. Instead, he claims that his pro-Palestinian views are a form of peaceful activism.
**The Law at Stake**
Rather than accusing Khalil of violating US laws, the administration is citing a 1952 law that allows the government to order someone’s deportation if their presence could have unfavorable effects on American foreign policy. This move has sparked concerns about the erosion of free speech rights in the US.
**A Fight for Justice**
Khalil’s detention has been transferred from Louisiana to New Jersey, where his lawyers will continue to fight for his release. According to Van Der Hout, Khalil remains in good spirits and is determined to see this case through to its conclusion.
This incident marks one of several cases involving students who have been targeted under the Trump administration’s deportation agenda. The ruling on Khalil’s case will be closely watched as a test of the limits of free speech rights in the US.
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