Court Halts Deportation of Palestinian Student Amid Legal Challenge 

United States: Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, has been detained since March after being arrested alongside his U.S. citizen wife at their New York apartment. Though Khalil secured permanent residency in the U.S. last year, he now faces deportation under a little-used immigration law that allows removal of non-citizens whose presence allegedly threatens U.S. foreign policy, as reported by Reuters. 

Judge Seeks Justification from Trump Administration 

U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz in Newark, NJ, ordered the administration to explain the legal grounds for Khalil’s deportation and provide a list of past uses of this provision. The judge also requested details behind Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s assertion that Khalil’s presence poses foreign policy risks. The court set a Thursday morning deadline for the government’s response. 

Charges Rely on Controversial Legal Clause 

The case hinges on a law permitting deportation when the Secretary of State believes an individual’s presence could cause “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Officials cited Khalil’s involvement in “antisemitic protests” and disruption on campus, though Khalil has publicly condemned antisemitism in interviews. 

🇺🇸⚖️🕊️ Judge Demands Legal Justification For Trump’s Deportation Move Against Palestinian Activist

🔹 Summary:

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to explain the legal precedent behind its attempt to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia… https://t.co/EWy2HtaHge pic.twitter.com/FSXy54y7EN

— PiQ (@PiQSuite) May 7, 2025

Legal Experts Question Constitutionality 

Khalil’s legal team argues that campus-related speech in New York does not qualify as foreign policy. His arrest has raised alarms among legal scholars about potential violations of First Amendment protections and selective application of immigration law. Judge Farbiarz paused the deportation to consider the constitutional implications. 

Rare Use of Legal Provision Raises Eyebrows 

Legal historians point out this law has only faced serious judicial scrutiny once—in a 1995 case involving a former Mexican official. That ruling was later overturned on procedural grounds. Khalil’s case may set a new precedent, as reported by Reuters. 

From Refugee Camp to Courtroom Battle 

The Palestinian refugee Khalil obtained American permanent residency status in 2023 after starting life in an Algerian refugee camp located in Syria. His detention exemplifies the growing political tensions between administration changes and immigration policy and public activist movements and national security concerns.