Judge Upholds Detention of Columbia Student Amid Allegations of Immigration Fraud
In a significant ruling, Judge Michael Farbiarz of Newark, New Jersey, upheld the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, on immigration fraud charges. Khalil, 27, a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia, is the first high-profile student detained under the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies aimed at foreign nationals involved in advocacy.
The Trump administration contends that Khalil, a permanent resident, failed to disclose affiliations that would affect his residency status during his green-card application. Specifically, they claim he did not reveal his internship with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), an organization often criticized by some U.S. and Israeli politicians for alleged ties to Hamas—a charge Khalil vehemently denies. His legal team argues that he simply completed an internship and never served as an "officer" for UNRWA.
Khalil’s detention has raised concerns over First Amendment rights. Judge Farbiarz initially considered releasing Khalil, citing potential constitutional violations in the administration’s application of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. However, following additional government filings, he ruled that Khalil would remain in custody, advising his lawyers to seek bail through separate immigration proceedings.
Lawyers representing Khalil, who recently became a father, criticized the charges as politically motivated tactics to suppress dissent. “This is a cruel delay tactic,” said Amy Greer, highlighting Khalil’s isolation during a significant personal milestone. Marc Van Der Hout, another attorney, emphasized the rarity of such fraud charges in immigration cases, deeming the situation "outrageous" and lacking constitutional merit.
As the situation unfolds, Khalil and his supporters remain vigilant, advocating for his release and raising awareness of the implications of immigration policies on free speech and activism.
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