US Claims Khalil Hid UNRWA Work in Green Card Application

Federal authorities have accused Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist, of concealing his employment with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) when applying for a green card. The government claims Khalil failed to disclose his position as a political officer for UNRWA, as well as affiliations with the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group and the British embassy in Beirut. Prosecutors argue that this omission constitutes fraud, justifying his deportation under U.S. immigration law. Khalil, who was detained earlier this month, contends that his detention violates his First Amendment rights. The case has sparked debate over the implications of political speech and immigration law, particularly given the Biden administration's recent scrutiny of UNRWA amidst allegations of ties to Hamas. Khalil remains in custody while challenging his deportation in court.