Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil is mounting a legal challenge against a U.S. federal court's recent decision to deny him a waiver of removability, which could see him deported to Syria or Algeria. This development follows a contentious period marked by Khalil's arrest during pro-Palestine campus protests at Columbia University and subsequent legal battles against the U.S. government.

In a determined response to the September 12 ruling, Khalil's attorneys filed a letter with the US District Court for the District of New Jersey. They argued that the denial was issued without a crucial evidentiary hearing—a standard procedural element in such cases. The letter emphasized the court's refusal to consider testimony from Khalil's wife or to review psychological evaluations which are pivotal to Khalil's defense. With a 30-day window closing on October 12 to appeal to the Bureau of Immigration Appeals, the stakes are high for Khalil to reverse the decision before a final removal order strips him of his lawful permanent resident status.

This legal scuffle is not Khalil’s first encounter with U.S. immigration authorities. His detention by ICE, prompted by his activities at Columbia University, had previously drawn national attention and criticism, particularly as Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited "foreign policy concerns" triggered by the protests. Khalil later sought $20 million in damages from the Trump administration, citing wrongful detention under the Immigration and Naturalization Act.

Adding to the legal drama, in May, a federal judge deemed the law used to initiate Khalil’s deportation proceedings "constitutionally vague," allowing him an opportunity to contest the charges leveled against him. This ruling provided a temporary shield against his deportation, reflecting ongoing judicial scrutiny over the case's legal foundations.

Khalil remains outspoken about his ordeal. He criticized the handling of his case in a recent press statement, stating, "It is no surprise that the Trump administration continues to retaliate against me for my exercise of free speech. Their latest attempt, through a kangaroo immigration court, exposes their true colors once again."

As the legal proceedings continue, current orders from the federal court protect Khalil from deportation or detention as his civil case remains unresolved. The outcome of Khalil’s appeal could have significant implications not only for his own future but also for broader issues of free speech and the treatment of activists under U.S. immigration law.