U.S. cites its power to deport people for beliefs

a year ago

The U.S. government, facing a deadline to provide evidence for the deportation of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, submitted a memo citing its authority to expel noncitizens whose presence harms U.S. foreign policy interests.
The memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, does not allege criminal conduct by Khalil but suggests his beliefs and activities justify deportation, linking them to undermining U.S. efforts to combat anti-Semitism.
Khalil, a legal permanent resident and graduate student, has been detained since March 8, with his lawyers arguing the government lacks evidence and is targeting his free speech rights regarding Palestine.
The government has not provided additional evidence linking Khalil to Hamas, despite earlier accusations, and the memo also references a second unnamed individual targeted for deportation.
The Trump administration has been revoking visas of international students critical of Israel and withholding funding from universities unless they punish protesters, actions critics say suppress free speech.
Another Columbia student, Yunseo Chung, is also facing deportation, with her lawyers seeking government documents related to her case, after being arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest.

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