Overview

• Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and legal permanent resident, was detained in March under a Cold War-era immigration law citing alleged foreign policy risks.
• A federal judge denied a motion to dismiss deportation proceedings and is now considering Khalil's asylum claim, with closing arguments due by June 2.
• Khalil testified that deportation to Syria or Algeria would endanger his life, citing risks of torture, assassination, or targeting due to his pro-Palestinian activism.
• After legal intervention, Khalil was allowed an in-person visit with his wife and newborn son, marking the first time he met his child since his detention began.
• The case has drawn attention to concerns over free speech, immigrant rights, and the humanitarian impact of family separation under U.S. immigration enforcement policies.