Judge Extends Stay On Deportation Of Columbia University Student

• Trump’s administration gave orders of deportation of a Columbia University student involved in Pro-Palestinian activities.
• The Court ordered a halt to deportation till further hearing. In a recent hearing, the judge extended the orders blocking the deportation of a Columbia University student. 

Court extends ban on deportation:

A US judge has extended an order stopping federal authorities from deporting the arrested Columbia University student. The case has become a major issue in Trump’s administration’s efforts to remove some pro-Palestinian college activists. US District Judge Jesse Furman had earlier placed a temporary block on the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil. On Wednesday, he extended the order after a hearing in a Manhattan federal court. This extension gives him more time to decide if the arrest was unconstitutional.

Government’s justification for deportation:

The US government wants to remove Khalil based on foreign policy concerns. Justice Department lawyers filed documents in court late Wednesday night. They stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio believes Khalil could be associated with foreign policies that may have negative consequences. The Department of Homeland Security also supports his deportation. They cite a law that allows authorities to remove migrants if their presence is deemed a threat to US foreign policy.

Also Read: Muslim Students Fear Rising Deportation Threats Under Trump

Protests against Khalil’s detention:

People came out in support of Khalil. They gathered in the Trump Tower’s lobby in New York. The demonstrators expressed their rage upon the student’s deportation and Khalil’s arrest. At large, organizations and individuals criticized Khalil’s arrest. They believe that Khalil is only targeted for his different political beliefs beyond any involvement in illegal activities.

Jewish voice for peace leads demonstration:

A progressive Jewish anti-Zionist group organized the protest at Trump Tower. The group released a statement explaining their actions. They said, “We are taking over Trump Tower to show our mass refusal.” They also criticized the US government’s treatment of pro-Palestinian activists. On social media, the group stated, “We will not stay silent while this regime criminalizes Palestinians and those who oppose Israeli policies.”