Mahmoud Khalil’s Fight Against Deportation

posted on: Sep 24, 2025

By: Amir Kobeissi / Arab America Contributing Writer

Mahmoud Khalil, an advocate for Palestinian rights and a Columbia University graduate student, has become a popular activist fighting a legal battle with the United States. His story represents the struggles immigrants may face when seeking to defend the rights of others, while also struggling to navigate obstacles with the United States immigration system. Arab America’s contributing writer Amir Kobeissi shares how his fight against deportation has caught great attention in the International world, and how free speech may not always seem true. 

Early Life and Motives

Mahmoud Khalil was born in Palestine in 1995, and spent the majority of his childhood navigating the challenges many Palestinians have to go through on a daily basis. His passion for social justice and freedom drove him to pursue education in the United States, where he attended Columbia University. There he became further involved with politics, advocating primarily for the rights of Palestinians. He also began hosting events and protests that gained large attention in solidarity with Palestinians in the Middle East.

Mahmoud’s work definitely gained him a lot of recognition, but also played large negative affects on himself as well. It attracted U.S. authorities to dive deeper into his activities and raised their suspicions. On March 8, 2025, was arrested by U.S. immigrations and customs in New York city, despite being a legal authorized resident. The arrest resulted in a case that question his green cards application, and his affiliation with United Nations agencies supporting Palestine. However, others argue that his detention was caused because of his activism and support for Palestine, rather than a real legal concern.

Threat of Deportation

After Mahmoud was released from detention in June, he still faced further challenges. In September of 2025, a Louisiana judge order for his deportation to either Syria or Algeria. The claim made that there was misrepresentation on Khalil’s green card application, and that this was a violation of the law. This choice has created a lot of concern, as both countries are suffering from instability and human rights issues themselves.

Syria has been recovering from years of civil war, and there are large risks for anyone who plans on visiting. Algeria, while more stable than Syria still may pose legal and unjust issues for Khalil. People have shown support and argued that sending Khalil to such places could put him in great danger, arguing how activism in the U.S. can result in removal from the country.

Khalil and the Public Respond

The ongoing case of Mahmoud Khalil has received great attention, and civil rights groups and observers have began taking action. They argue that deporting Khalil would be in violation of the countries democratic principles, and makes others discouraged when speaking out against controversial topics. Platforms on social media and protestors have emphasized the great dangers he could face if sent to either Syria or Algeria. Khalil argues that his activism is used to spread awareness of ongoing injustice occurring in Palestine, and that his message is not intended to pose any threat to the United States. In in doing so, Mahmoud claims he is only practicing his freedom according to the constitution.

The Bigger Picture

Mahmoud Khalil’s ongoing case shows the position immigrants are put in when engaging in political topics. This raises questions about immigration and the rights given to immigrants under the U.S. constitution. Activists have seen this situation as a threat to free speech and protest in America. His potential deportation to struggling countries also shows the uncertainties immigrants can face when deciding to become largely public on their political views.

Legacy and Impact

Mahmoud Khalil’s story whether or not he avoids deportation or not has most definitely left a lasting impact on future generations of American immigrants. His commitment to advocate for ongoing struggles across the world, has shown the injustices people may face when exercising their freedom. There is no doubt that throughout his journey, Mahmoud has inspired others to stand firm in their beliefs, and not be afraid to fight for what you stand for.

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