White House Asserts Authority to Revoke Visa of Anti-Israel Activist Mahmoud Khalil

White House Asserts Authority to Revoke Visa of Anti-Israel Activist Mahmoud Khalil

On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters, asserting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio retains the authority to revoke the green card or visa of former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil. Leavitt emphasized that this action hinges on the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Leavitt stated that the secretary of state can revoke status for individuals perceived as adversaries to U.S. foreign policy and national security interests. This assertion follows Khalil’s alleged support of Hamas, a group classified as a terrorist organization by the United States.

During a press briefing, Leavitt remarked, “Mahmoud Khalil was granted the privilege of studying at one of our nation’s finest universities. Instead of embracing this opportunity, he chose to align himself with terrorists, specifically Hamas, known for perpetrating acts of violence against innocent civilians.”

According to Leavitt, Khalil organized disruptive protests on campus that harassed Jewish American students, creating an atmosphere of fear and tension. Additionally, he distributed fliers promoting Hamas propaganda, which Leavitt claimed were provided to her by the Department of Homeland Security.

Although Leavitt considered showcasing these fliers during the briefing, she ultimately decided against it, claiming it would undermine the dignity of the press room. “This administration will not permit individuals who misuse the privilege of studying in our country to engage with pro-terrorist organizations that threaten American lives,” she added, reinforcing the administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward siding with terrorists.

Concerns Over National Security

A senior State Department official highlighted Khalil’s actions, expressing that his presence in the United States poses a potential threat to national security. The official noted that Khalil’s activities could trigger serious adverse foreign policy consequences, citing Section 237 (a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act as the basis for possible deportation.

This section grants the secretary of state the discretion to seek the deportation of individuals whose activities might compromise U.S. interests. While this provision is not commonly invoked, its application in Khalil’s case underscores the Sanders administration’s focus on national security over issues of free speech.

Khalil’s Background and Arrest

Mahmoud Khalil, originally from Syria with Palestinian heritage, entered the U.S. in 2022 to pursue his studies at Columbia University. Following his arrest on Saturday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at his university-owned apartment in New York, he was relocated to a detention center in Louisiana. Khalil is married to an American citizen who is currently eight months pregnant.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was questioned regarding Khalil’s due process during his own media appearance. He expressed concern that similar support for Khalil was not afforded to him during a previous corruption case brought against him by the Biden administration. “What surprises me is the level of support displayed here for Khalil compared to my own situation,” Adams remarked.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

A federal judge in New York has temporarily halted Khalil’s deportation. A forthcoming hearing will evaluate motions filed by his lawyers alleging violations of his constitutional rights and requesting his return to New York for further legal process.

Former President Donald Trump expressed support for Khalil’s apprehension, branding it as the precursor to many future actions against similar individuals. In a post on Truth Social, he stated, “We are aware of more students across the nation engaged in pro-terrorist and anti-American activities. Our efforts will focus on locating and deporting these sympathizers from our nation.”

Political Reactions

However, Trump’s comments have not gone without criticism. Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Senator Dick Durbin, have labeled Khalil’s detention as authoritarianism. Meanwhile, protests erupted in New York City on Monday evening, as demonstrators called for Khalil’s release. These protesters also organized a nationwide walkout of classes to protest against perceived genocide against Palestinians and the Trump administration’s influence over academic institutions.

This planned walkout saw limited participation early Tuesday, with only a handful of students at Columbia actively advocating for Khalil’s release.

Ongoing Investigations into Higher Education Institutions

In related developments, the U.S. Department of Education announced investigations into 60 colleges and universities for alleged antisemitic discrimination. Authorities hinted that some of these institutions could face funding cuts.

The Trump administration recently moved to cut $400 million in grant funding to Columbia, prompting officials to argue that such actions do not effectively combat antisemitism. Representative Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New York, criticized these funding cuts, stressing that they do not address the root of the issue and instead serve to exert control over higher education.

Future Implications

The actions surrounding Khalil’s situation reflect ongoing tensions within American society regarding freedom of speech, immigration policies, and national security. As this story unfolds, it raises questions about the intersection of activism and legal repercussions in the context of U.S. law.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.