NEW YORK — The legal saga of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and U.S. green card holder facing deportation under the Trump administration, has taken a new turn as a federal judge in New Jersey has decided to uphold the case within the state, dismissing the administration’s attempt to transfer it to Louisiana.
Mahmoud Khalil’s Legal Standpoint
U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz, in a comprehensive 67-page ruling, emphasized that the case was initially filed in New Jersey on March 9 at 4:40 am, while Khalil was in confinement there, justifying the jurisdiction’s relevance.
Being a recent graduate student from Columbia University and holding a green card, Khalil alleges that the deportation efforts stem from his involvement in organizing protests against the Israel-Hamas conflict on campus.
Legal Implications of Green Card Revocation
Typically, the revocation of a green card is limited to specific circumstances, such as criminal convictions. However, the Trump administration cited an obscure statute to justify Khalil’s deportation, claiming his presence or activities could lead to significant foreign policy repercussions.
Despite being initially detained in New York on March 8, Khalil was swiftly transferred to a New Jersey detention facility before relocation to Louisiana, prompting his legal counsel to file for release in New York based on available information and procedural constraints.
Legal Maneuvers and Pending Requests
The administration’s legal team advocated for relocating Khalil’s case to Louisiana, where he is currently held, a move that could influence any future appeals within the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Meanwhile, Khalil’s lawyers are actively pursuing his release, citing humanitarian grounds due to his wife’s advanced pregnancy. This plea is currently under review.
