The US government is trying to kick out a student who spoke up about a controversial topic. Mahmoud Khalil is a graduate student at Columbia University. He was vocal about Israel's actions towards Palestinians and the Gaza war. The government wants to send him away because of his beliefs.

The government did not accuse Khalil of any crime. Instead, they said his presence in the US goes against their foreign policy. They want to fight antisemitism and protect Jewish students. The government filed a short memo. It was signed by the secretary of state, Marco Rubio. It did not provide any evidence against Khalil.

Khalil's lawyers say the government is attacking his right to free speech. They argue that a law from 1952 is being misused. This law gives the secretary of state power to remove immigrants. But it was not meant to silence speech protected by the constitution. Khalil's lawyer, Johnny Sinodis, said the memo lacks facts. It does not show how Khalil's presence harms US interests.

Khalil was born in Syria but has lived in the US for years. He is married to an American citizen. She is about to have their first child. Khalil rejects claims of antisemitism. He says the government is trying to suppress dissent. He wants to be free to see his child born.

The government has been targeting universities. They have cut funding and revoked visas of students who criticize Israel. This is part of a broader campaign. Critics say it is a crackdown on free speech. The government has not provided evidence linking Khalil to any militant group.

The case has high stakes. If the government can deport someone for dissenting, it sets a dangerous precedent. There would be no limits to executive power. Khalil's lawyer, Baher Azmy, warns of the implications. He says it could lead to arbitrary arrests and deportations.

A Student's Voice Silenced

Actions