Mahmoud Khalil’s Alleged Visa Fraud Sparks Controversy Amid Anti-Israel Protests

Mahmoud Khalil’s Alleged Visa Fraud Sparks Controversy Amid Anti-Israel Protests

The Trump administration accuses Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student known for his anti-Israel activism, of not disclosing key details about his employment with a United Nations agency on his visa application. This allegation, they claim, could justify his deportation.

Khalil, who is 30 years old and holds a green card, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on March 8. His case has drawn significant attention, particularly as it unfolds during a heightened climate of political activism surrounding Israel and Palestine.

Federal Claims Against Khalil

In a court brief submitted recently, the U.S. government presented its case for keeping Khalil in custody while his removal proceedings continue. The Department of Justice contends that Khalil fraudulently applied for a change in his immigration status without fully disclosing his memberships in specific organizations, which they consider grounds for deportation.

One of these organizations is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, commonly known as UNRWA. This agency has been embroiled in controversy after Israel alleged that twelve of its members participated in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, resulting in a significant loss of U.S. funding.

Details of Khalil’s Employment

The DOJ claims that Khalil failed to disclose his role as a political officer with UNRWA from June to November 2023. Additionally, they state that he did not inform immigration authorities about his work at the British Embassy’s Syria office in Beirut at the time of his visa application. Furthermore, he was also a member of Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a group that organized protests against Israel, which the government argues strengthens their case for his deportation.

Legal Implications of Misrepresentation

The DOJ maintains that the alleged lies on Khalil’s visa application create an