US Government Alleges Immigration Fraud Against Columbia Graduate
Trump administration has filed new immigration fraud accusations against Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate. Khalil was arrested earlier this month by immigration officers.
Court documents filed on Sunday claim that Khalil intentionally withheld details about his background while applying for a green card. The Department of Justice argues that he misrepresented facts during his application process.
Khalil a permanent legal resident married to a U.S. citizen was actively involved in student-led protests against the Israel-Hamas war. The White House has accused him of supporting Hamas, but his attorneys deny these claims. They argue that his activism is protected under the First Amendment. His lawyers also say that his detention is unconstitutional.
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The government cites two reasons for his possible removal. First, they claim his presence could harm U.S. foreign policy. Second, they accuse him of misrepresenting information in his immigration application. They allege he failed to disclose his membership in the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) and past employment at the British Embassy in Lebanon’s Syria office.
Khalil has been in detention for three weeks. His lawyer, Baher Azmy, says the accusations are an attempt to punish him for his activism.
An immigration judge will review the government’s claims and decide Khalil’s fate. His immigration case is separate from other legal proceedings he may face.
